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Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine by Liz Swain
Description
Skullcap is a name that refers to any of the dozens of species (Scutellaria) of the mint family Labiatae. The plant's name refers to the helmet-shaped calyx on the outer whorl of the plant's tiny flowers. The flowers range in color from blue to pink. In herbal medicine, the name skullcap refers to Scutellaria lateriflora, a perennial herb native to North America and cultivated in Europe. The leaves, flowers, and stems are used as herbal remedies. Skullcap is also known as scullcap, American skullcap, Western skullcap, European skullcap, blue skullcap, greater skullcap, hoodwort or hoodwart, blue pimpernel, Quaker bonnet, helmet flower, hooded willow herb, side-flowering skullcap, mad-dog weed, and mad weed.
Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a related species. The species Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is native to eastern Asia, and the skinless yellow root of this plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its Chinese name is huang qin. Chinese skullcap is sometimes called baikal, baical skullcap root, scute, and scutellaria. Another species used in Chinese medicine is Scutellaria barbata , whose Chinese name is ban zhi lian.
General use
Skullcap was once called mad-dog weed because of its use during the eighteenth century to treat rabies. In addition, Native Americans used skullcap as a sedative, tranquilizer, and a digestive aid. Other cultures have used it as a sedative and to lower fevers.
In contemporary practice, both common skullcap and Chinese skullcap are used as remedies for anxiety, nervous tension, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia, stress headaches, muscle spasms, seizures, and epilepsy. In addition, each herb is used for a variety of other conditions, and even in these conditions they are used differently.
Skullcap
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is currently known best as a herbal sedative. By reducing tension, skullcap may contribute to lower blood pressure. Skullcap is also used as a remedy for exhaustion, convulsions, menstrual cramps, and as a treatment for withdrawal from alcohol and tobacco. The herb may be taken as a bitter tonic to boost digestion. Skullcap is also sometimes used as a remedy for hiccups, hangovers, and asthma.
Chinese skullcap
In traditional Chinese medicine, baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is prescribed for irritability, dysentery, diarrhea, infections accompanied by fever, hay fever , urinary tract infections, gout, jaundice, potential miscarriages, nosebleed, abdominal pain, and redness in the eyes or face. The herb is used for hepatitis and has been said to improve liver function. The root of baical skullcap is also given in formulas together with other herbs for vaginal bleeding, blood in the stool, and coughing or vomiting blood. Chinese skullcap is frequently among the ingredients in herbal compounds used for disorders involving high cholesterol and triglycerides, high blood pressure, allergic diseases, and inflammatory skin conditions.
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As of the late 1990s, research in countries including China indicated that Chinese skullcap showed "promise" in treating allergies, cancer, and as an aspirin-like anti-inflammatory remedy. Research at that time also indicated that the herb might be used in the future to prevent strokes and heart disease .
Preparations
Skullcap (scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese skullcap (scutellaria baicalensis) are both taken internally. Skullcap is generally sold commercially as a liquid extract, as a tea, in dried form, and in capsules. The leaves and flowers are used as remedies for such conditions as insomnia. In the United States, "blue skullcap" refers to scutellaria that is frequently harvested without determining the species, according to Tyler's Honest Herbal . Tyler, a respected pharmacognosist, wrote that "pink scullcap" is an adulterant with pink flowers. It costs the manufacturer less than blue skullcap.
Chinese skullcap root is sold usually in bulk or capsule form, the capsules usually containing other herbs. Both Chinese skullcap and common skullcap have a bitter taste, and there are customary dosages for both herbs.
Skullcap dosages
Skullcap tea can be purchased commercially or brewed at home for conditions including anxiety, tension, and PMS. Skullcap preparations include:
- A tea prepared by pouring 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. (5-10 g) of dried leaves. The mixture is covered and steeped for 10-15 minutes. From two to three cups of tea may be consumed daily.
- A liquid tincture that can be taken three times daily. The tincture, 1/2-1 tsp (2-4 ml) of solution, is added to an 8 oz (250 ml) glass of warm water. Skullcap tincture can be purchased over the counter, or made at home by mixing the herb with water or alcohol in a ratio of 1:5 or 1:10.
- To ease insomnia, skullcap leaves can be placed inside a dream pillow. Also known as a sleep pillow, it can be made by sewing together two 8-in (20.3-cm) pieces of fabric. The dream pillow is placed under the bed pillow.
Chinese skullcap dosages
Chinese skullcap tea is prepared by adding 1-3 tsp (5-15 g) of the powdered root to 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water. The mixture is covered and steeped for 10-20 minutes. From three to four cups may be consumed daily.
Baikal skullcap is also available in capsule form. Three capsules of the standard dosage may be taken for treatment of liver ailments and chronic inflammatory conditions.
The root of Chinese skullcap is usually decocted, but it may be fried dry and consumed for conditions such as diarrhea and urinary tract infections. The root can be cooked in wine to treat upper respiratory infections and redness in the face and eyes. A practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine can provide information about specific dosages.
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