Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a perennial herb native to North America that has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for its medicinal properties. It is a member of the mint family and can be found growing in damp, shaded areas such as riverbanks and woodland areas.
One of the primary actions of skullcap is as a nervine, meaning it has a calming effect on the nervous system. It is often used to help reduce anxiety and stress, and has been shown to be effective in treating conditions such as insomnia, nervousness, and irritability.
In addition to its nervine action, skullcap is also an anti-inflammatory and has been used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions such as asthma, allergies, and eczema. It has also been used to treat muscle spasms and cramps, and as a mild pain reliever.
Folklore surrounding skullcap dates back to the 18th century, when it was believed to be a cure for rabies. This led to its common name, “mad dog weed,” as it was believed to be effective in treating the symptoms of rabies in humans and animals. Despite this belief, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of skullcap as a treatment for rabies.
In traditional herbal medicine, skullcap is often used in combination with other herbs to enhance its effects. For example, it is often paired with passionflower for its calming properties, or with valerian root for its sedative effects.
Energetically, skullcap is considered to be cooling and drying, and is often used to balance excess heat in the body. It is also believed to have a grounding and centering effect, making it useful for those who are feeling scattered or overwhelmed.
In terms of spiritual references, skullcap has a long history of use in traditional indigenous medicine as a sacred plant. It is believed to help connect the individual with the natural world and to facilitate a deeper understanding of one’s place within the universe. It is also thought to promote a sense of calm and inner peace, making it a useful ally for those seeking spiritual growth and transformation.
In summary, skullcap is a versatile herb with a range of medicinal properties, including its ability to calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and treat muscle spasms and cramps. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and is believed to have a grounding and centering effect, as well as promote spiritual growth and inner peace. If you’re interested in trying skullcap, it is important to consult with a qualified herbalist before adding it to your healthcare routine.
SKULLCAP (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Family: Lamiaceae
Parts Used: Aerial parts in flower
Taste – Bitter (Its primary taste is certainly bitter and has a slightly cooling flavor.)
Actions:
Analgesic – This is another name to basically refer to a pain relieving herb. This action through Skullcap happens through the plants ability to relax the muscles which in turn may ease pain.
Nervine Hypnotic – This is a class of herbs that help to induce a healing state of sleep. Hypnotics typically can range from mild to strong and Skullcap sits right in the middle as a moderate
Bitter Tonic – Specifically a digestive and nervine bitter. Have a tonifying and supportive effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
Spasmolytic – works on the autonomic nervous system and can bring about physical relaxation in the muscles. An antispasmodic that is also a nervine can help to ease psychological tension.
Nervine trophorestorative – strengthens and restores tissue directly and can help heal damaged nervous tissue due to pathological processes or even physical trauma.
Affinities:
Nervous system – Specific for relaxing the nerves (Equally dispersed through the whole body so we can see that most herbs that work on the nervous system can have an affect on a lot of organs.)
Brain & Mind – Through its main effects as a cerebral vasodilator.
Musculoskeletal – Through the spasmolytic action
Energetics:
Cooling – Sedates heat & excitation in tissues. It brings the energy down. (Whole System) Drying – Long term use will have a drying effect on the constitution. Increases secretions that are ultimately leaving the body.
Relaxant – Nervous system related to whole body.
Specific Indications:
Psychological dynamics_ Skullcap is especially wonderful for those who have become “stuck in the ethers” and have journeyed so far out of their bodies that they’ve lost touch with grounded reality. I always like to think of this plant as being indicated for an over-active crown chakra and an excess of (Air & Ether elements), or wind in the body and mind. You may see this crown chakra excess as ungrounded, nervous, tense, “deer in the head lights look,” overly focused on spiritual matters, the vital force excessively moving up and out, and lack of connection to Earthly concerns.
This can lead to forgetfulness, not attending to practical concerns of daily life, a messy house, being late for work, and overall being spaced out and “ungrounded.” To me this is one of the reasons this remedy is called “Skullcap.” It’s as if the top of the head is “too open,”. When you take a large dose of this
plant—to the point of really feeling the effects— it feels like a heavy weight placed on the top of the head, bringing the vital force down. As if the top of the skull has a heavy cap on it.
