SKULLCAP HERBAL MONOGRAPH

“It is one of our best nervines, feeding and calming the nerves, brain and spinal cord and is most remarkable for its effect in spasmodic conditions, such as chorea, epilepsy, shaking of the limbs.  It is a most reliable nerve sedative for highly excitable children and adults with a natural tendency toward hysterical episodes.  For nervous and excitable women of a more or less neurotic temperament, there is no remedy in nature to compare with it.  For insomnia and sleeplessness, it has proved to be a merciful and reliable remedy.  Skullcap is a slow working, but sure remedy for practically all nervous affections, but it must be taken regularly for a long period, to be of permanent benefit.” ~ David Hoffmann

Botanical name: Scuttelaria lateriflora.

Common name: Skullcap, American skullcap, Blue skullcap.

Family: Lamiaceae (mint family).

Description: Aromatic Skullcap is native to North America and can be found through the continent, although it is becoming endangered. Skullcap is a perennial herbaceous plant, which grows 30-60 cm in height, with a square stem and opposite serrate-crenate leaves which are covered in fine glandular hairs. Flowers grow from the axis of its leaves in the upper portion of the plant, in one-sided terminal racemes. The helmet-shaped flowers ranges from purple to blue and pink to white blue to violet. Skullcap prefer full sun to moderate shade and thrives in damp conditions, and is found on growing on riverbanks, near creeks and around marshes.

Parts used: Aerial parts when in flower, and roots.

Energetics: Cool.

Taste: Bitter.

Actions: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, hypotensive, anti-psychotic, anxiolytic, nervine, sedative, trophorestorative.

Constituents: Flavonoids (including baicalein and its glycoside baicalin, scutellarein, scutellarin and wogonin), apigenin, hispidulin, luteolin, human neurohormones serotonin  & melatonin, iridoid glycoside (catalpol), volatile oils, tannins.

Folklore & traditions: Indigenous Americans and traditional European herbalists used Scullcap to induce sleep, relieve nervousness, as a herbal sedative, and to moderate the symptoms of epilepsy, rabies and other diseases related to the nervous system. Known to ease symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal and to clear the mind, alleviate stress, anxiety and nervous tension, and heart palpitations. Traditionally utilised as a tranquilliser,  to reduce panic attacks and hysteria.

Medicinal uses: Pain. Scullcap is a useful general pain remedy, beneficial for chronic and acute pains of many kinds, and for a wide range of problems including headaches, injuries, spasmodic pains such as cramps and general body pains. Scullcap is especially applicable when an emotional charge is attached to pain. It is a good remedy for nervous headaches and can be taken for migraines. Scullcap can help focus and amplify the efficiency of other remedies. Eg. if you are giving Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) for menstrual pain, by adding some Skullcap to the mix as it can augment the Crampbark to help relieve cramping, or combining with Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is helpful to relieve headaches.

Insomnia.A strong infusion taken before bed promotes a deep restful sleep, as it relaxes the overactive or "busy" mind and helps stop circular thinking. A beautiful choice along with Lavender  for a dream pillow.

Anxiety & nervous tension.  Scullcap is a nervous system tonic and trophorestorive. It is high in calcium, magnesium and potassium which add to its strengthening and calming actions. Beneficial for chronic or acute nervous disorders including nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, muscle tension, PMS, insomnia, irritability, stress, worry and fear.It is relaxing without causing drowsiness,  promotes a calm and peaceful mind. A valuable restorative tonic for the nervous system, with anti-inflammatory, muscle-relaxing and gently sedative properties, as well as many nourishing minerals. It is specific for anxiety and "raw nerves" rooted in exhaustion, and for stress affecting the body and mind.

Muscle spasms & tremors: Scullcap has antispasmodic properties and is used to treat twitching, muscle spasms and tremors, restless leg, menstrual cramps, tension headaches, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and convulsions.

Indigestion. Scullcap’s bitter and antispasmodic properties make it a tonic for the digestive system, relieving indigestion and intestinal gripping, gas and bloating .

Attention Deficit Disorder. Scullcap is for over-thinkers, as is calms the Spirit and clears the mind. Helps people not dwell on thing too much. It is being used to treat ADD in clinical trials.

Acute drug and alcohol withdrawal. Skullcap supports long-term recovery from addictions by deeply nourishing the nervous system whilst quieting obsessive thought patterns. It is used to break addictions and to ease drug and alcohol withdrawal. Useful in a formula with Milky oats (and other appropriate nervines) for this purpose.

Chakra: Third eye.

Astrological correspondence: Pluto and Saturn.

Cautions & contraindications: Some people are more sensitive than others to the sedative effects of Skullcap than others, so start with smaller doses to find your own balance. Skullcap is a strong emmenagogue (promotes cleansing of the uterus) which is contra-indicated when trying to conceive, and during pregnancy.

SHOP SWEET DREAM TEA WITH SKULLCAP HERE.

References: Ayales, Adriana. The Herbal Astrology Oracle. Hay House, 2022.

Hoffmann, David. The Herbal Handbook, A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism, 1999

milagroschoolofherbalmedicine.com/skullcap.pdf

Tierra, Michael. Planetary Herbology, 1970

Wood, Mathew, The Earthwise Herbal A complete guide to New World Medicinal Plants, 2011