Skullcap

(Scutellaria lateriflora)

Other Names:

Blue Skullcap, Hoodwort, Virginian Skullcap, Mad-dog Skullcap

Range:

Family:

Lamiaceae - Mint Family

Growth Type:

Herbaceous Perennial plant

Height:

2 to 3 feet tall

Leaves:

Alternately arranged, ovate, serrated to toothed leaves.

Stem/Trunk:

Single, erect, square, stem

Root:

Taproot

Flower Season:

Summer

Flower Appearance:

Multiple small blue flowers borne in clusters along small flower stems

Seed/Fruit:

Tiny nutlets on a short stalk

Miscellaneous characteristics:

N/A

Habitat:

Marshes, meadows, and other wet areas

Parts Used:

Leaves, stems, roots

Culinary Uses:

None known

Energetics:

Taste: Bitter
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Drying

Traditional Medicinal Uses:

Used as a mild sedative, and to calm and soothe frazzled nerves. The antispasmodic action of Scutellaria lateriflora make is a highly effective muscle relaxer. I have spinal arthritis and severe spinal stenosis. This means my back is in an almost constant state of spasm. I have used powerful muscle relaxers which offered little or no relief. Once I started taking Scutellaria tincture it has worked wonders for me.

Indications:

Anxiety, Chorea, Epilepsy, Insomnia, Nervous Dyspepsia, Huntington's, Intestinal Colic, Neurasthenia, Neuralgia, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS).

Medicinal Actions:

Antispasmodic, Nervine, Sedative, Spasmolytic