botanical name(s): Scutellaria lateriflora, S. baicalensis, S. galericulata, S. ovata
synonyms: skullcap
part(s) used: aerial portion
qualities: bitter, cold, dry
affinities: central nervous system, liver
actions: sedative nervine, antispasmodic, bitter
dosage:
» infusion: 1 - 2 tsp. herb to one cup water; drink 1 - 3 cups per day
» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.
» powder: 1 - 2 g
therapy: nervous tension, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 1
toxicity: 1
» overdose may result in giddiness, stupor, mental confusion, fasciculations, and intermittent changes in the pulse; epileptic signs and symptoms may develop (Duke, p. 440)
» reports of hepatotoxicity may be a result of the common adulteration of S. lateriflora with germander (Teucrium spp.) (McGuffin)
constituents: flavonoid glycoside, iridoids, volatile oil, waxes, tannins
footnotes
Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.
McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Associations Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.