Skullcap

American skullcap (Scutellaria Lateriflora) is part of the mint family and indigenous to the eastern part of North America.

The name refers to its pinkish violet to white blossoms partly hidden by a hood which oddly resembles a helmet that Medieval knights used to wear. Scutellaria comes from the Latin scutella, meaning, “small dish” and Lateriflora means “flowering on its side” in which the flowers only grow on one side of the stalk.

The story of skullcap or scullcap begins with the Native Americans who steeped part of the plant to make a remedy for digestive issues, kidney problems, and breast pain.

The American settlers later observed this use of the plant and its medicinal effect which led them to use it themselves.

This plant became typical folk medicine which was used as a sedative and nerve tonic. Steamed warm cups of skullcap tea were quickly drank to cure fevers, ease nerves, and relax the body.

Modern herbalists and naturopaths now use the herb for its beneficial effect on calming nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, and muscular issues.

It is also used for headaches, fibromyalgia, and anorexia.

It is reported to be effective in helping people who are withdrawing from the excessive use of drugs and alcohol.

Chemical compounds, such as its flavinoids, in skullcap may attach to the neurotransmitter, GABA, and its neighboring receptor, GABA-A. This leads to an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect on the nervous system. The amino acid, glutamine, is also present which provides sedation and anti-anxiety effects.

Benefical aspects:

• Helps ease anxiety and tension
• Treats insomnia
• Assists in easing withdrawal symptoms from drugs and alcohol
• Calms headaches
• Helps with kidney problems