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
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Bitter
Thermal: Cooling
Humidity: Drying
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.
Cautions According To WebMD
Contra-Indications
None Known
Possible Side Effects:
None Known
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Antispasmodic,
Nervine,
Sedative,
Spasmolytic,
Herbal Preparations For Scutellaria lateriflora
Tea
Part Used: Whole Flowering Plant
Plant State: Fresh or recently dried
Place 2 tsp of fresh chopped leaves, or 1 tsp of dried leaves in a large mug. Pour almost boiling water over the leaves. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain to remove sediment.
Dosage: Drink a mug as needed
Infusion
Part Used: Whole Flowering Plant
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped plant material into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with almost boiling water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 2-6 oz As Needed
Tincture
Part Used: Whole Flowering Plant
Plant State: Fresh
Alcohol Percentage: 60%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:2
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Fill the jar to the neck with chopped fresh plant material, then pour in 600 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 150 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 20-60 drops up to 3 times daily
Tincture
Part Used: Whole Aerial Plant
Plant State: Recently Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:5
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 150 grams of dried plant material into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 20-60 drops up to 3 times daily
