Over the centuries, Scullcap has been found in many kitchens, where it was handed to a loved one, brewed into piping hot tea and poured into their favorite mug to melt away stress and soothe an over-stressed body after physical labor. , calm the tide of a woman’s moon-time, or soothe the growing discomforts of a child.
Scullcap and Skullcap are interchangeable generic spellings. However, American scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese skull cap (Scutellaria baicalensis) are used to treat various conditions and are not interchangeable. We’ll focus on American Scullcap in this blog, but I highly encourage you to get acquainted with it S. baicalensisbecause it is a great plant ally!
Scullcap Botanical Description
Scutellaria laterifloraLamiacea (Mint) family
Scullcap is native to the North American continent and has become a popular cultivated species in Europe. It is named for the cap-like calyx of the small blue or purple flowers that swing from the slender, heavily branched stem. Under the right conditions it can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet in the wilds of summer. Scullcap grows best in moist conditions with plenty of sun, such as riverbanks.
Used parts: Antennas
Phytochemicals: Flavonoids (rich in flavones: scutellarin), volatile oil, tannins (rosmarinic acid and other caffeic acid derivatives), iridoids (bitter main component)
Contraindications: There are no reports of contraindications or side effects when used correctly. However, scullcap has been found adulterated with germander, a hepatotoxic herb. In light of this, experienced practitioners deal with it and manufacturers conduct tests accordingly. Sources are important!
To grow: Choose a sunny location and then sow in moist, fertile soil in spring and divide the roots in spring or autumn.
Harvest: Summer, when it blooms
Home Apothecary: Pair Scullcap for Common Alignments
Scullcap gives of his own accord. It helps our body remember how to relax into the strength of our own bones and lean forward, trusting the support of our muscles. Scullcap dissolves the worries in our minds and gives room for growth. Like most friends, his ability to build common bonds strengthens the gifts inherent in every being, creating a whole new dynamic of possibilities to overcome adversity.
A rich source of the minerals calcium, potassium and magnesium – all essential for a healthy nervous system – it’s no wonder Scullcap is found in so many soothing teas and tinctures! Furthermore, as a source of zinc, we can turn to Scullcap to maintain the health of our immune system, especially when we are under stress.
These properties make Scullcap a favorite to combine with other plant-based allies to alleviate common discomforts. Over the years it has been combined with nervine herbs such as Catnip, Blue Vervain, Milky Oat tops, Damiana and Rosemary to uplift the spirit. It can also be combined with valerian and dandelion root to reduce muscle tension. For the overactive mind, lost in the throes of stress and hardship, Scullcap can be infused with wood concrete or lavender. At the end of the day, if we have lost our ability to let go, we can find peace in the gentle blend of Passionflower and Scullcap.
Meet the WishGarden Scullcap Remedies
Scullcap is one of our most trusted ingredients for our herbal formulas.
In our adult linewe combine Scullcap with other pacifiers and nervous system relaxers in formulas such as Cranial Comfort and/or Serious Relaxer & Muscle Tension to help release tension. As a daily tonic, Deep Stress Adrenal Rescue with Ashwagandha restores and vitalizes our deepest self with Scullcap, Nettle Leaf, Milky Oat Tops and Borage Antennae. For our modern age, where we say ‘Serenity now!’ Emotional Ally: A big herb hug comes to our rescue with Scullcap, Motherwort Antennas and Passionflower Antennas. Even when our day comes to an end, we find our friend Scullcap ready to assist our dream time with Sleepy Nights.
For the women in our life on the journey of motherhood we provide soothing sleep support with Sleepy Nights & Fresh Mornings for Pregnancy, which combines Scullcap with Milky Oat buds, lime leaf and flower, passion flower antennae and hawthorn berry. During our moon time, Scullcap is there to help release emotional compulsion in PMS Emotional and provide much-needed muscle relaxation in our Cramp Release Menses Soother remedy.
Scullcap is also an important ingredient in our children’s formulas, including Ear Be Well. As their bodies sprout, Scullcap helps ease their growing pains and soothes them with Quiet Time. And whether they need support with focus and attention, with Attention Ally Focus Friend, or with getting enough rest and rejuvenation, with Sleepy Nights & Fresh Mornings For Kids we find our friend again.
References
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler’s Honest Herbs. New York, NY: The Haworth Spice Press; 1999: 349-351.
- McIntyre, Anne. The medicinal garden. How to grow and use your own medicinal herbs. Heny Holt and Company, Inc; 1997: 99-100.
- White L, Mavor S. Children, herbs, health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press; 1998;22:40-41.
Dawn Amber Miller has apprenticed and studied in the United States of America and has received certifications in traditional and medical herbalism from the Appalachia School of Holistic Herbalism, the Commonwealth Center for Holistic Herbalism, and the Hawthorn Institute. She is a passionate steward of the sacred realm of nature and moves with the wildflowers, providing the rituals of wild crafting with heart and hand.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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