Wednesday, December 1, 2010

skullcap






Skullcap - Scutellaria lateriflora (in the Lamiaceae or Mint family)

Part used: Aerial herb in bud.

Taste/smell: Bitter.

Tendencies: Cooling.

Dosage: Infusion: 1 tablespoon of dry herb per cup of water; or 1:1 fresh + dry strength liquid extract: 20-40 drops 1-4 times per day.

Mental picture and specific indications: Skullcap is indicated when there is nervous fear, restless sleep, cardiac irritability and spasms. There is inability to pay attention and a dull frontal headache or headache at the base of the brain. Symptoms are worse with noise, odors and light and better at night and with rest.

Use: (a) Sedative, (b) Stomachic, (c) Antispasmodic, (d) Trophorestorative, (e) Cerebral vasodilator, (f) Hypotensive.

Skullcap is used for insomnia, restless sleep, anxiety, agitation, nervous exhaustion and nervous system weakness after a prolonged illness. It is indicated for nervous irritation of the cerebrospinal nervous system.

Contraindications: Information unavailable at this time.

Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.
Used with permission of author.