Description
Botanical: Scutellaria lateriflora
Other common names: Scullcap, American Scullcap, Scutellaria, Blue Pimpernel, Blue Skullcap,
Hood Wort, Mad Dog Weed, Mad Dog Skullcap, Helmet Flower, Side Flower, Madweed, Virginia Skullcap, Quaker Bonnet, Mad Weed
Too much anxiety and stress in your life? Try Skull Cap as a natural way to ease frayed nerves, relax and get a restful sleep. It is an old remedy that helps to relieve "women's complaints," such as premenstrual syndrome and monthly cramps. Skull Cap is also considered very useful for alleviating the difficulties of barbiturate and drug withdrawal.
Country of Origin: United States
Beneficial Uses:
As an antispasmodic, Skull Cap has been useful in relieving menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome, muscle spasms, symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and cramps due to stress. The herb is used to help treat St. Vitus dance, convulsions and shaking palsy, and some modern herbalists use it to control epileptic seizures (should always be conducted with doctor's care). Skull Cap may be used in cases of lupus and is said to relieve spasms and fight infections without stimulating the components of the immune system that aggravate the condition.
Skull Cap has been given to alcoholics who are suffering from withdrawal symptoms and delirium tremens (DTs). It is believed to be helpful in treating barbiturate, tranquilizer and drug withdrawal symptoms.
A flavonoid glycoside in Skull Cap is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can remedy pain by reducing inflammation, as opposed to opiates, which affect the brain.
Skull Cap is said to strengthen the heart muscle, improve circulation and may be helpful for treating cardiovascular disease.
Skull Cap has been used by herbalists to treat snakebites and the bites of poisonous insects.
Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Skull Cap Large doses (many times the recommended amount) may cause giddiness, confusion, twitching, convulsions or stupor, but the herb is said to work well when taken consistently over a period of time (several weeks) at recommended dosage. Skull Cap should not be given to children. Those with liver problems should avoid Skull Cap. Taking Skull Cap and blood thinners together may further decrease blood clotting, possibly leading to easy bruising and bleeding. Because of Skull Cap's sedative qualities, taking it with medicines used for sleep or anxiety may cause extreme drowsiness affecting your ability to operate heavy equipment or drive a car safely. Skull Cap may interact with barbiturates, sedatives and anti-convulsant and should not be taken at the same time.
