Is a plant native to North America and is a member of the mint family. It is widely used in western herbal medicine and is similar to European or greater skullcap (S. galericulata), but should not be confused with Chinese or Asian skullcap (S. baicalensis), which has very different action and uses. The aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally.
It contains a flavanoid glycoside called scutellarin, volatile oil, tannins and iridoids. Scutellarin is thought to be the compound that exhibits sedative and antispasmodic action. The herb is also anticonvulsant, nervine and a brain and central nervous system vasodilator.
Historically it has been used to treat a number of conditions including:
It is sometimes used to help break addiction to tranquillisers – namely benzodiazepines and can help reduce the various withdrawal symptoms. The dried herb can be infused to make a herbal tea and drunk up to three times per day. Tinctures, capsules and tablets are also available. It is fine to use tinctures for children above two years of age – dosage is one drop per stone of body weight for children.
Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied and should therefore be avoided. In the past, there have been cases where this herb has been adulterated with another plant called germander. This has been known to cause liver damage and you should always choose a reputable supplier or known brand, where quality control is reliable. At the time of writing there are no well -known side effects, drug interactions or contra-indications.
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