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Common Name
Scullcap, Helmet Flower, Quaker Bonnet, Skullcap (Alternate American Spelling)
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Botanical Name
Scutellaria lateriflora
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Part Used
Herb
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Clinical Summary
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Alcohol
30%
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Dose
15 to 80mL weekly
Stress, tension, anxiety, insomnia, nervousness and panic attacks are all indications for this bitter and cooling herb. It is said to be specific for the psychological side of premenstrual syndrome. Scullcap is admired for its ability to reduce muscle twitches and involuntary muscle spasms. It works well for acute situations but it can also be taken long term to broadly support the nervous system and help to reduce the negative effects of chronic stress.
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Traditional Use
Scullcap is native to North America and has been used extensively by Native Americans. Much of the ethnobotanical data comes from the Cherokee nation, who have used at least three different species of scullcap for a variety of ailments including diarrhoea, breast pain and to enhance kidney function. Many other eastern Native American tribes have a long history of using scullcap as well. The Physiomedicalists and Eclectics of the 19th century also used scullcap as a relaxing nervine to treat a variety of nervous system disorders.
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Actions
Nervine tonic, relaxing nervine, sedative, antispasmodic, analgesic, anticonvulsant, hypotensive, antioxidant
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Indications
• Stress, anxiety, pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, panic attacks, seizures, twitching, teething, tension headaches
• Premenstrual syndrome -
Energetics
Cool, dry
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Use in Pregnancy
Insufficient reliable information available
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Contraindications & Cautions
None known
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Drug Interactions
Caution with central nervous system depressant drugs.
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Hops, Valerian, Lime Flowers, Chamomile, Motherwort