Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Lamiaceae, or mint family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• The native habitat of Skullcap is riparian wetlands - marshes, stream banks and wet meadows, and is domestically cultivated and harvested in the Pacific Northwest & the Midwest - Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, Washington, as well as North Carolina. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Aerial parts ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Nervine
• Antispasmodic
• Hypotensive
• Astringent ^[2]
5. Indications:
• Soothe nervous tension
• Renew and revivify CNS
• Control and treat petit mal seizures
• Treat conditions associated with exhaustion and depression
• Ease premenstrual tension ^[1]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Flavonoids
• Iridoids
• Volatile oils
• Tannins ^[1]
7. System Affinities:
• Nervous system
• Cardiovascular system
• Muscoloskeletal system ^[1]  
8. Energetics:

• Cool, slightly dry, sweet and mildly bitter, slow, heavy, dull ^[1]

9. Safety:
• No adverse reactions known ^[1]
10. Interactions:
• None known ^[1]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
•  The dried aerial parts of skullcap are a beautiful dark green, and the smell is bland, sweet, grassy. I made a tea, and I couldn’t actually finish it, the taste was so revolting to me.
2. Preparation Method:
• Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp of dried herb and infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3x/day or as needed.
• Tincture: 2-4 mL 3x/day (1:5 in 40%) ^[2]
3. Usage Notes:
•  The tea is golden brown, and smells like the dried herb, but the taste is incredibly bitter and reminds me of lawn clippings. I switched to taking the tincture for the rest of the day, and this was more pleasant to me. I found that I had more energy, and motivation to get things done. I drove to the birth center (it was technically my day off) to fold laundry and do chores with music playing. My mood was incredibly light, and I felt at ease. Big fan of the skullcap tincture! I may start using this regularly.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 4 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-18_MW5122-A Botanicals 2: Postpartum.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine.     Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.