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Skullcap
(Scutellaria lateriflora)
blue skullcap, mad-dog-weed, helmet flower
 Description:
A perennial, with a fibrous, yellow rootstock producing
a branching stem, 1-3 feet high, Leaves are opposite,
ovate to lance-shaped and toothed. The axillary, pale
purple or blue, 2-lipped, hooded flowers are in 1-sided
racemes from the leaf axils. Found in eastern and central
U.S. in rich woods, and moist thickets.
Medicinal:
It is a antispasmodic, diuretic, sedative, and tonic.
A strong tea was traditionally used for all types of nervous
conditions such as anxiety, excitability, insomnia, restlessness,
spasms, convulsions, including epilepsy, insomnia, rheumatism
and neuralgia. Scutellarin, a flavonoid compound in the
plant, as been confirmed to have sedative and antispasmodic
qualities. It is known as mad-dog skullcap because the
tea was once used as a folk remedy for rabies. Steep 1
teaspoon of the dried plant in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes
Take 3-4 times a day.
CAUTION:
Large doses are of unknown toxicity.
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