- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Wet woods and riverbanks of North America. Scutellaria lateriflora
North America · Herb · № 158
Scutellaria lateriflora (en S. baicalensis)
Herb · North America
American skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora (en S. baicalensis)
Used in Western herbalism for nervousness, tension and sleep problems. A few small studies suggest a mild calming effect.
Safety notes
Earlier reports of liver damage were often linked to adulteration with germander; buy from reliable sources. May increase drowsiness.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Sometimes adulterated with liver-damaging species; buy from a reliable source.
Preparation
The flowering herb as tea or tincture. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The Cherokee used it around menstruation and in purification rituals. In the 19th century it was sold as a remedy for rabies, hence the nickname mad-dog skullcap. Ody also describes the related Chinese huang qin.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Relaxing and restorative nerve remedy, antispasmodic; Baikal skullcap antibacterial, fever-reducing, diuretic, promotes bile.
Preparation and amount
Tea of the fresh herb as a calming tea for nervous exhaustion, agitation and anxiety, for PMS, and in the evening with wild lettuce or passionflower for insomnia; tincture 5 ml (optionally with 1 ml lemon balm) for stress or depression; Baikal skullcap (huang qin) as a decoction for infections and high blood pressure.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
To keep the throat clean and so prevent smallpox.
Preparation and amount
The dried root as a powder in water.
Caution: Sometimes adulterated with liver-damaging species; buy from a reliable source.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionTincturePowder and kitchen