Traditional Uses
The herb was used by Native Americans for rabies long before its adoption by European herbalists, thus its nickname of Mad dog
They also used it to to promote
menstruation and used for the relief of diarrhea and breast pain
In other traditional medicine, skullcap was used as a sedative
Current uses
Skullcap is now recognised by herbologists as an anti-inflammatory, sedative, abortifacient, antispasmodic, slightly astringent, and strongly tonic.
Skullcap is used to treat insomnia, hysteria, epilepsy,and anxiety,
A infusion of the plant is said to promote menstruation, and should definitely not be given to pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage.
The infusion is also used in the treatment of throat infections and nervous headaches, neuralgia and in headache arising from incessant coughing. It has the effect of inducing sleep when necessary, without any unpleasant symptoms following.
Skullcap is currently being used as an alternative medicine to treat ADD and a number of nerve disorders..
Precautions and side effects (refer also to statements below)
There are no reports of adverse side effects following normal doses of skullcap.
Overdosing can cause liver damage and seizure type movements, irregular pulse, giddiness, confusion and drowsiness.
Research
The use of Baical skullcap as an anti inflammatory has been established by extensive research in China
Recent research* has demonstrated that skullcap may be effective at reducing anxiety in a study population of healthy volunteers.
*Wolfson P, Hoffman DL. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine . 2003;2:74-78
| Some Products using Skullcap | ||
| Product | Health Issue | Other Herbal Ingredients |
| Herbs for Kids Chamomile Calm | ADD | chamomile, fennel, catnip |
| FocusADHD from Native Remedies | ADD | ginkgo biloba, chamomile, gotu kola, avena sativa, nettle, rooibos |
| HERBS FOR KIDS Valerian Super Calm | ADD | chamomile, valerian, fennel, catnip |
| Herbs for Kids Feverfew Blend | children | meadowsweet, feverfew, echinacea, lemon balm, yarrow |
| Return |
| Return |
| Learn which herbs are commonly used to treat |