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Information about the herb Skullcap
Scutellaria
laterifolia , also known as Helmet Flower is part of the Labiatae plant family. Skullcap is a North
American plant which grows in wet places in Canada and the northern and eastern
United States.
Botanical Name: Scutellaria laterifolia
Plant Family: Labiatae
Common Names: Blue Pimpernel, Blue Skullcap, Helmet Flower, Hoodwort, Mad-dog Weed, Mad Weed, Quaker Bonnet, Side-flowering Skullcap, Virginian Skullcap
History: The name is from the Latin scutella, which means 'a little dish'.
The native American Indian used Skullcap for:
- promoting menstruation
- rabies
Tradition: Skullcap was used in spells for:
- peace
- relaxation
- tranquility
Plant Constituents of Skullcap
Contains:
- bitter glucoside
- cellulose
- fat
- Scutellarin, a volatile oil
- some bitter principle
- sugar
- tannin
Action:
- antispasmodic [an agent which relieves or eases muscular spasms, cramps or convulsions]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- nervine [an agent that has a calming or soothing effect on the nerves, any agent that acts on the nervous system to restore the nerves to their natural state]
- sedative [a soothing agent that reduces nervousness, distress or irritation]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Parts Used: The whole herb
Skullcap is used for:
Brain and Nervous Conditions
- convulsions
- delerium tremens (in alcoholics)
- food for the nerves
- excitability
- hydrophobia
- hysteria
- insomnia and restlessness
- lessens the affects of epilepsy (in small doses)
- nervous headaches
- neuralgia
- rickets
- spasms
- supports and strengthens as well as giving immediate relief from all chronic and acute diseases that affect the nerves
- St. Vitus Dance (soothes the nervous excitement and induces sleep when necessary)
Female Conditions
- feminine cramps
- menstrual troubles
Respiratory Conditions
- headache arising from incessant coughing and pain
Inflammatory Conditions
- rheumatism
Reproductive Conditions
- regulates sexual desires
Other
- reduces fevers
Caution: Overdose can cause
- giddiness
- mental confusion
- intermission of the pulse
- stupor
- symptoms of epilepsy
- twitching of the limbs
Global Herbal Supplies has Skullcap available in the following forms:
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
