Botanical Overview
Scutellaria lateriflora (family Lamiaceae), commonly known as blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap, or side-flowering skullcap, is a North American native herbaceous perennial. The aerial parts including leaves and flowers are used medicinally.
Energetics
It is traditionally considered cooling and moistening in nature, with a bitter taste. Its action descends and it has a relaxing tonicity, primarily supporting the shen (spirit) by calming the nervous system.
Primary Actions
- Nervine
- Mild anxiolytic
- Sedative
- Antispasmodic
Indications
Western
Used primarily for symptoms such as anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia, muscle spasms, and restlessness.
Syndromes
- Nervous excitability
- Mild anxiety disorders
- Sleep disturbances
TCM
No established traditional Chinese medicine usage.
Ayurveda
No established uses documented.
Unani
No established uses documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains flavonoids such as baicalin and baicalein, iridoids, and scutellarin, contributing to its mild sedative and anxiolytic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% alcohol, 2-4 mL two to three times daily
- Infusion from 2-4 g dried herb two to three times daily
- Capsules 300-500 mg standardized extract two to three times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. May potentiate sedative medications; use with caution alongside CNS depressants.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (2005). American Skullcap Monograph.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (2020). Skullcap: Uses and Safety.
- PDR for Herbal Medicines (2011). Scutellaria lateriflora Monograph.
- Smith et al. (2012). Pharmacological properties of Scutellaria lateriflora. PubMed.