Scullcap
Also known as- Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria, Scullcap, Scute, Blue Skullcap, Mad-Dog Skullcap, and Madweed.
Introduction
Skullcap is an herbaceous
perennial mint with ridged leaves and tiny blue flowers, growing 1 to 4 feet
(25 cm to 1 m) high. Various species of skullcap are important in Traditional
Chinese Medicine as herbs that clear heat and dry dampness. The use of herb
dates back at least two thousand years.
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that skullcap is most useful for
"draining fire" from the "upper burner," for patterns of
symptoms including high fever, irritability, thick mucus, or hot sores and
swelling. The herb is used to "dry dampness" from the stomach or intestines,
treating any kind of digestive upset that stifling the urge to drink fluids or
causes inflammation of the urinary tract. Skullcap also treats the symptoms of
emotional excess "rising" in the body to cause blushing, flushing,
irritability, or headache.
Constituents
Baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, neobaicalein, roxylin aglucurenoide, camphesterol, beta-sitosterol, and benzoic acid.
Parts Used
The above-ground parts of the plant, dried.
Typical Preparations
Traditionally used as a tea or tincture; can be used in capsule form. The tea should be drunk hot. Combined with heal-all (prunella) for treating nervous conditions, peony for treating tension in the abdomen during infection. Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that skullcap should be "fried" (browned in a pan without oil) for use in stopping bleeding.
Summary
Over 100 scientific studies
confirm skullcap's:
´ Antibacterial effect. The species of skullcap inhibits the growth of
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
among others. Skullcap may be useful when there is antibiotic resistance.
´ Bleary effect. Tinctures (but not teas) increase flow of bile and lower
cholesterol.
´ Gastrointestinal effects. Teas and tinctures slow intestinal movement.
´ Hypotensive effect. Teas, tincture, and alcohol extracts are known lower
blood pressure in dogs, cats, rabbits, and humans. The herb lowers blood
pressure by dilating blood vessels, potentially lowering risk of heart attack
and stroke.
´ Immunomodulatory effect. Skullcap contains compounds that inhibit the release
of enzymes by mast cells, effectively acting as an antihistamine.
´ Temperature regulatory effects. As far back 1935, scientists have confirmed
that skullcap can lower fevers.
---Medicinal Action and Uses--
-Scullcap has strong tonic, nervine and antispasmodic action, and is slightly astringent.
In hysteria, convulsions, hydrophobia, St. Vitus's dance and rickets, its action is invaluable. In nervous headaches, neuralgia and in headache arising from incessant coughing and pain, it offers one of the most suitable and reliable remedies. The dried extract, given in doses of from 1 to 3 grains as a pill, will relieve severe hiccough.
Many cases of hydrophobia have been cured by this remedy alone.
It is considered a specific for the convulsive twitchings of St. Vitus's dance, soothing the nervous excitement and inducing sleep when necessary, without any unpleasant symptoms following.
Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm.
It may be prescribed in all disorders of the nervous system, and has been suggested as a remedy for epilepsy. Writing on this point in the British Medical Journal, 1915, Dr. William Bramwell says: 'Its efficacy appears to be partly due to its stimulating the kidneys to increased activity....'
Overdoses of the tincture cause giddiness, stupor, confusion of mind, twitchings of the limbs, intermission of the pulse and other symptoms indicative of epilepsy, for which in diluted strength and small doses it has been successfully given.
The usual dose is an infusion of 1 OZ. of the powdered herb to a pint of boiling water, given in half-teacupful doses, every few hours. Both fluid and solid extracts are prepared and Scutellarin is also administered in doses of 1 to 2 grains.
Fluid extract, 1/2 to 1 drachm.
Health Benefits of Skullcap
- Relieves Anxiety
- Reduces Pain
- Soothes Nervous System
- Removes Toxins
- Manages Diabetes
- Heart Health
- Weight Loss
- May Help Prevent Cancer
Precautions
None found
This herb is sold by the Ounce