This medicinal herb for nerves is a sedative called Skullcap, (scutellaria lateriflora). This flavonoid has antispasmodic properties & is considered one of safest in the world.
Skullcap, scutellaria lateriflora, was named for its hooded, helmet-like, pink or blue flowers. Skullcap is rich in scuttelarian. This flavonoid has sedative and antispasmodic properties, and herbalists consider it one of the best and safest sedatives of the plant world.
Skullcap is a native plant to North America, growing in moist woods, old fields, swampy areas, and along streams. Skullcap is a perennial plant with a branching stem growing up to 3 feet tall. The flowers, which bloom from June through September, are small, tubular and come in pink, blue or even whitish colors. The flowers have two lips, the upper one hooded, thus the name-skullcap. Skullcap is easy to grow from seed.
In the 1770's, skullcap was thought to be a cure for rabies, and thus acquired the nickname, mad-dogweed. Although it was discredited as a cure for rabies at that time, today scientists believe that the claim by a Dr. Van Derveer in 1773, may not have been completely without basis, since skullcap does have sedative and antispasmodic properties.
It is also an antibacterial, cooling, digestive stimulant, hypotensive, lowers cholesterol levels, and is a relaxing and restorative nervine. Many Native Americans used it as a sedative and to promote menstruation.
The above the ground portion of the plant is the part used. A tea is made from it and drank to combat anxiety and nervous tension. To make the tea, use 1 heaping teaspoon of the plant to a cup of boiling water.
Skullcap tea is considered excellent for a variety of nervous conditions: hysteria, epilepsy, hypertension, neuralgia, and nervous headaches. Skullcap has good doses of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, and is indeed food for the nerves!
