Blue Skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora
Disclaimer For educational purposes only. Do not use as medical advice
Summary: Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) Scutellaria lateriflora (American Skullcap) is used as a mild relaxant, anxiety, stress, and convulsions and may protect against alzheimer's disease. This is NOT a substitute for S. baicalensis. Scutellaria Galericulata (Eurpean Skullcap) has similar effects as S. lateriflora, but is said to be less effective Scutellaria Minor(Eurpean Skullcap) has similar effects as S. lateriflora, but is said to be less effective Scutellaria baicalensis (Baical Skullcap, 黄芩) is Huang Qin. This is NOT a substitute. Scutellaria barbata (Barbat Skullcap, 半枝莲) is Ban Zhi Lian. It is used to clear heat, reduce inflammation, reduce toxins, and invigorate blood. This is NOT a substitute. USA: Scutellaria lateriflora is available in the wild USDA Zones: 6-9 Native: USA Habitats: Damp places, meadows, ditches, pond sides from Connecticut south to Florida and Texas.26 Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs. Examples below: Herbs: Pharma Drugs:Sedative medication • Antidepressants • Nervines • Anxiolytic medication • Alcohol • Antihistamines • Barbituates • Opioids • ValiumHealth Benefits
For: Insomnia • Anxiety • Restlessness • Stress • PMS • Menstrual pain • Depression • Headaches • Nervousness • Irritation • Emotional instability • Epilepsy • Parkinson's disease • Drug addition withdrawal • Panic attacks
Attributes: Anti-inflammatory • Sedative • Anxiolytic • Antiradical • Antispasmodic • Nervine • Tonic • Anticonvulsant • GABAergic
Products (online examples)
Research (sample)
Articles:
Constituents:
Scutellarin • baicalein • dihydrobaicalin • Lignins • Resins • Iron • Methoxyflavone • Catalpol • Key: baicalein, baicalinRemarks
Photos (Click to enlarge)
Fun Facts
Species
There are many species of Scutellaria. The following are the most popular in plant based medicine and can be confused with each other.
Growth
Scutellaria lateriflora is in the USDA Plant Database. Drill down via USDA Interactive Map:
Properties, Actions, Indications, etc. Category: Calm Spirit Nourishing
English: Blue Skullcap Pharmaceutical: Folium Scutellariae Lateriflora
Organs: Liver • Heart Temperature: Cold
Taste: Bitter • Pungent Toxicity:
Patterns: Heart heat • Liver heat
Actions: Clear heat • Dispel wind • Calm spasms • Reduce liver yang
Indications: Anxiety • Headaches • Nervousness • Irritation • Insomnia • Emotional instability • Fear
Contraindications:
Typical Dosage: 2g to 9g in decoction; 2ml to 4ml in tincture Guidelines
Parts Used: Leaves • Flowers • Stem from 3-4 year old plants (whole plant can be used) Substitutes:
Other:
Combinations
Purpose
S. Lateriflora (2-15 drops tincture) + Cypripedium Pubescens (10-20 drops tincture); mix with warm water; taken every 2 to 4 hours
Irritable and nervousness 27
S. Lateriflora (2-12 drops tincture) + Passiflora Incarnata (15-40 drops tincture); mix with water; taken every 3 hours
Insomnia, anxiety, exhaustion 27
S. Lateriflora (3-15 drops tincture) + Hydrastis Canadensis (7-10 drops tincture) + Capsicum (2-4 drops tincture); mix with warm water; taken as needed
Heart weakness27
S. Lateriflora (2-15 drops tincture) + Echinacea Angustifolia (15-20 drops tincture); mix with warm water; taken as needed
Poisonous snake bites or hydrophobia
Mix 1 ounce infusion to 1 pint of boiling water; take 1/2 teacup as needed
Hydrophobia, hysteria, convulsions28
Alert
Be cautious with all medicine.
Potential Drug Interactions
Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience. While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts, variations may result from the numerous English translations. Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs. The information here is strictly for educational purposes.
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