Scutellaria laterifolia

Scutellaria laterifolia                                Common name: Skullcap
Family: Lamiaceae

Parts used: Aerial

Constituents:  Flavonoid glycosides (apigenin, scutellarin, scutellarien, luteolin), Iridoids (catalpol), volatile oil (limonene, terpineol, humulene), waxes, tannins, minerals, lignin, resin

Medicinal actions: Sedative, nervous system relaxant & tonic, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, hypotensive, mild bitter

Medicinal use: Scutellaria can be used long-term for nervous tension with an underlying condition of nervous exhaustion. It relaxes states of nervous tension while at the same time renewing and reviving the central nervous system. A cup of skullcap at the office instead of coffee would do wonders! It may be used with complete safety and confidence in all exhausted and depressed conditions. It is often found to be rapidly effective as well as safe in the easing of pre-menstrual tension. Also indicated for persons with muscular twitching and tremors , grand mal seizures and neuralgias.

Pharmacology:

• Flavonoid glycosides: apigenin, scutellarin, luteolin are antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory. Scutellarin specifically has calming bitter effects.
• Volatile oils: limonene, terpineol, humulene are also antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory.

Pharmacy: Powdered herb: 1-2 g QD. Infusion: 1 tbsp/cup, TID. Tincture: (1:2, 45%), 2-4 ml TID (weekly max. = 100 ml).

Toxicity: Scutellaria is a gentle herb, without concern about toxicity.

Contraindications: None reported.

Interactions: None reported. Use caution with sedative medications.