Skullcap

SkullcapBotanical Name: Scutellaria laterifloraFamily Name: LamiaceaeSkullcap, also spelled as scullcap, is a perennial plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and is native to the eastern United States.  It can be found in moist woodland areas throughout North America and its blue flowers appear from July through September.  This herbal medicine begins with the Native Americans.Several tribes steeped skullcap leaves to produce a tea drunk to promote menstruation. Preparations of the roots were a remedy for diarrhea, kidney problems, and breast pain and can help expel after birth. In American folk medicine, skullcap was valued as a sedative and nerve tonic. Steaming cups of skullcap tea were downed to cure fevers, calm nerves, ease anxiety, and supported serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. Skullcap may also be used as a calming therapy for people withdrawing from excessive use of alcohol and certain prescription drugs. Internally used as a tea or tincture to support minor cases