HERB - Skullcap

[Sara Bairrington]

Following are 5 references I found in my books and on the internet.

1.  Skullcap

Virginian skullcap arrived in Europe in the 17th century from the US and
was known as "mad dog herb" from its repuation as a remedy for rabies.
Today, the herb is used for  nervous disorders with the native European, S.
galericulata, reputedly having similar properties.  The name derives from
the scoop-shaped seed pods tht resemble skullcaps.  

Parts Used:  Aerial parts.

Key uses:  It is an excellent sedative and antispasmodic, ideal for all
sorts of nervous tension, anxiety overexcitability, insomnia and
stress-related problems.

2.  http://www.norcrossws.org/Juneplant.htm

3.  http://www.altnature.com/creekherbs/skullcap.htm

4.  http://www.mindspring.com/~millersrexall/herbs/152.html

5.  Skullcap

Scutellaria laterifolia

Part Used : Aerial parts.

Constituents : 

     Scutellarin, a flavonoid glycoside and many other flavones. 
     Iridoids; catalpol is present 
     Volatile oil and waxes, mainly C3l, C33 and C35 hydrocarbons 
     Tannins 

Actions : Nervine tonic, anti-spasmodic, hypotensive.

Indications : Skullcap is perhaps the most widely relevant nervine
available to us in the materia medica. It relaxes states of nervous tension
whilst at the same time renewing and revivifying the central nervous
system. It has a specific use in the treatment of seizure and hysterical
states as well as epilepsy. It may be used in all exhausted or depressed
conditions. It can be used with complete safety in the easing of
pre-menstrual tension.

Priest & Priest tell us that it is a " diffusive, stimulating & relaxing
nervine - cerebral vasodilator and tropho restorative. Indicated for
nervous irritation of the cerebrospinal nervous system" They give the
following specific indications : functional nervous exhaustion, post
febrile nervous weakness.  Chorea, hysteria, agitation and epileptiform
convulsions, insomnia, nightmares, restless sleep.

Ellingwood considered it specific for " two distinct lines of specific
phenomena. Firstly irritability of the nervous system with restlessness and
nervous excitability; inability to sleep without pain; general irritability
with insomnia from local causes. The second is where there is nervous
disorder, characterized by irregular muscular action, twitching, tremors
and restlessness, with or without incoordination. Its soothing influence
continues for a protracted period, after the agent is discontinued." In
addition here commends it for the following patholgies : delirium tremens,
nervous excitability.

Preparations & Dosage : Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2
teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0-l5 minutes. This
should be drunk three times a day or when needed.

Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.



============================================================================
Go to http://lists.ansteorra.org/lists.html to perform mailing list tasks.