Scutellaria baicalensis

Scutellaria baicalensis [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/potd/2007/12/scutellaria_baicalensis_1.php

Common name: 
Skullcap
(Bone, 2003, 415)

Latin binomial:
Scutellaria baicalensis or Scutellaria lateriflora
(Bone, 2003, 415)

Family: 
Labiatae
(Bone, 2003, 415)
 

Parts used:
Aerial Parts
(Hoffman, 1983, 227)

Active constituents:

• Flavenoid glycoside including; scutellarian and scutellarein
• Volatile oils
• Bitters

 (Hoffman, 1983, 227) 

Actions:

• Nervine tonic
• Spasmolytic
• Mild sedative

(Bone, 2003, 415)

   
 Indications:

• Most widely relevant nervine, relaxing the state of nervous tension whilst also renewing and reviving the CNS 
• Seizures
  
• Epilepsy
• Exhaustion/ depression
• Eases menstrual cycle pain

 (Hoffman, 1983, 227).

Contraindications: 
None known 
(Bone, 2003, 415)

Cautions:
Large doses are known to cause dizziness, erratic pulse and mental confusion (Keville, 1991, p. 177). 

Dosage:

• Liquid extract- 2.0- 4.5 of 1:2 per day (Bone, 2003, 415).
• Infusion- 1 cup of water: 2 teaspoons of dried herb and allow to infuse for 10-15 minutes, drink 3 times per day (Hoffman, 1983, 227).
• Tincture- take 2-4 ml, 3 times daily (Hoffman, 1983, 227).

 Combinations: 
Skullcup combines well with valerian (Hoffman, 1983, 227). 

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.

Keville, K. (1991) The illustrated herb encycolpedia; a complete culinary, cosmetic, medicinal, and ornamental guide to herbs. Simon and Schuster: NSW.