Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria agustifolia, Scutellaria elliptica, Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria incana, Scutellaria laterifolia, Scutellaria nervosa, Scutellaria ovata, Scutellaria resinosa)

Main Facts about Skullcap

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
350 species. Small plant, 6-18” high. Blue/lavender flowers. In mint family - hairy, square stems, opposite leaves, heartshaped at the base with scalloped edges. Seed pods at base of each leaf.

Using Skullcap

Skullcap is a comforting herb, traditionally used to alleviate nervous tension and exhaustion, often in combination with other herbs such as valerian. Skullcap is also utilized in treating a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, delerium tremens, and withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers. A medicinal infusion of the plant is used to promote menstruation, it should not be used by pregnant women.

Skullcap is a remedy for: Anxiety

Caution!

Make sure you have the right kind, there are over 350 species and they are not all the same. Some are toxic. Overdoses of skullcap may cause confusion, giddiness, stupor, and seizures. If you have diabetes, do not take Chinese skullcap without your doctor's supervision. Chinese skullcap may lower blood sugar levels, raising the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Cooking with Skullcap

Traditionally taken as a tea or tincture; can be used in capsule form.

How to grow Skullcap

Growing in rich woods, thickets, bluffs and along roadsides in wet ditches. Scutellaria lateriflora, the skullcap that is most used in herbal medicine, prefers a moist shady environment. Other species of skullcap can be found in habitats ranging from deep woods to as sunny meadows. Skullcap is easy in a sunny position and any ordinary garden soil. Sow seed in early spring after danger of frost is past.
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