Skullcap

Latin Name: Scutellaria lateriflora
Family: Lamiaceae

Part used: The herb.
Energetics: Bitter, sweet, astringent, cool, dry.
Iris: Lymphatic.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Acute liver injury. Large doses may cause giddiness.
Allergies: Individuals who are allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as mint or sage, may also have an allergic reaction to Skullcap. It is advisable to avoid Skullcap if you have known allergies to these plants.
Surgery: Skullcap may act as a central nervous system depressant and can
enhance the effect of anaesthesia and other medications used during surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to stop using Skullcap at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

ACTIONS

Central Nervous System Vaso-dilator

• Antispasmodic
• Anti-convulsive
• Relaxing nervine
• Brain and CNS vasodilator
• Sedative
• Tonic
• Anti-bacterial
• Diaphoretic
• Analgesic
• Anti-inflammatory

Main Constituents

• Bitter principle (crystalline glucoside), Iridoid glycosides.
• Volatile oil: limonene, humulene, terpinol.
• Flavonoids: predominantly baicalein and its glycoside baicalin, wogonin, scutellarein, scutellarin, lateriflorein. In addition – apigenin, hispidulin and luteolin.
• Tannins.
  
• Lignin.
• Melatonin and Serotonin.
• Vitamins: C, E, Ca, Fe, Mg, Zn.

Main Uses

External Use: Benzodiazepine addiction (to assist with withdrawal)
Circulatory: Stroke, cholesterol, inflammation, detoxifying
Mental/Emotional: Amnesia, Anxiety, Excitability, Depression, Exhaustion, Difficulty ‘switching off’, Nervous stress following bereavement or shock, Workaholics working long hours, Panic, Sensitivity

Infections:
Bacteria: Bacillus, E. coli, MRSA, Sarcina, Vibrio cholerae
Protozoa: Plasmodium
Nervous system: Migraine, Headaches, Disturbed sleep, Insomnia
Musculo-Skeletal System: Muscular twitching or jumpiness, spasms, menstrual cramps, tremors, neuralgia
Endocrine: PMT, Insulin regulation

More About Skullcap

This member of the mint family has an affinity for the nervous system - it is a restorative remedy and also has a relaxing property. Native Americans used it as a natural sedative, particularly in times of distress or for those experiencing hysteria.
It can help in cases of tension, anxiety, restlessness, chronic depression, fatigue and sleeplessness
Skullcap helps combat the irritability and mood swings of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and can support the nervous system during the menstrual cycle.
It helps to lower blood pressure, as the bitter taste strengthens the heart and blood vessels. It is useful where Insomnia is due to heat and night sweats, as it is cooling.
Although Skullcap is a cousin to the Baikal Skullcap, the two have very little in common. Scutellaria baicalensis is different to S. lateriflora and is very bitter, dry and cold.
Native American Use: Native American tribes, such as the Cherokee and Iroquois, have traditionally used Skullcap as a medicinal herb. It was used to treat conditions such as nervous disorders, rabies, menstrual disorders, and as a sedative. (Reference: Moerman, D. E. (1998). Native American Ethnobotany. Portland: Timber Press.)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): In TCM, Skullcap (known as Huang Qin) has been used for centuries. It was traditionally used to treat respiratory infections, inflammation, and as a sedative. It was also believed to clear "heat" or excess fire from the body. (Reference: Bensky, D., et al. (2004). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press.)
European Traditional Use: In European herbal medicine, Skullcap has been used since ancient times. It was used to treat nervous disorders, convulsions, epilepsy, and as a sedative. It was also thought to have liver-protective properties. (Reference: Grieve, M. (1971). A Modern Herbal. New York: Dover Publications.)

Recipes:

Skullcap Relaxation Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons dried skullcap herb
• 1 teaspoon chamomile flowers (optional, for added relaxation and flavour)
• 1 teaspoon lemon balm leaves (optional, for flavour and additional calming properties)
• 338ml of cups boiling water
• Honey or lemon to taste (optional)

Instructions:

• Combine the dried skullcap herb, chamomile flowers, and lemon balm leaves in a teapot or tea infuser.
• Pour boiling water over the herbs.
• Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the tea.
• Strain the tea into a cup.
• Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired.
• Drink slowly and enjoy the calming effects.

Notes: Skullcap can have a mild sedative effect. It's important not to operate heavy machinery or drive after consuming it.

Skullcap Tincture

• Fresh skullcap aerial parts (leaves and flowers) or dried skullcap
• 100-proof vodka or brandy (You can also use apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin if you prefer a non-alcoholic tincture.)
• A clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid (like a Mason jar)

• If using fresh skullcap, make sure to clean it thoroughly and remove any dirt or insects. If using dried skullcap, it's ready to use.
• Fill the glass jar about ⅔ full with the skullcap. If using fresh herb, chop it up a bit to increase the surface area.
• Pour the vodka, brandy, or whichever solvent chosen over the skullcap in the jar, ensuring that the plant material is completely submerged. Leave about an inch of space at the top.
• Place the lid on the jar tightly. Label the jar with the date, type of herb, and solvent used. Store the jar in a cool, dark place.
• Shake the jar gently every day. This helps in extracting the beneficial compounds from the skullcap.
• After 4 to 6 weeks, strain the tincture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into another clean jar or bottle. Press or squeeze the plant material to extract as much liquid as possible.
• Store the strained tincture in a dark glass bottle, ideally with a dropper, for ease of use. Keep it in a cool, dark place.