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Nervine tonic, antispasmodic, diuretic, calmative, antivenomous, and an astringent.
Scullcap is one of the best nervine agents that nature provides. It is as stimulating to the nerves as quinine, but lacks the harmful side--and aftereffects. It is especially calming and nutritive in neurasthenic conditions (neural conditions characterized by emotional conflict, worry, disturbances of digestion and circulation, etc.). It is an excellent antispasmodic agent for restlessness, tremors, spasms, twitching of the muscles, and hyperesthesia (hyper-sensitivity). Dr. Nowell asserted that: "It will influence the spinal cord and the sympathetic nervous system (supplying the various involuntary organs and blood vessels) as well as the brain, bringing to all a tonic influence which is quite permanent. . . It tones and soothes the nervous system, and, without any narcotic properties, quiets the patient and often brings about quiet, natural sleep." Dr. Shook concluded: "Scullcap is a slow-working, but sure remedy for practically all nervous affections, but it must be taken regularly for a long period of time to be of permanent benefit."
A perennial, with a fibrous, yellow rootstock producing a branching stem, 1-3 feet high, Leaves are opposite, ovate to lance-shaped and toothed. The axillary, pale purple or blue, 2-lipped, hooded flowers are in I-sided racemes from the leaf axils. Found in eastern and central U.S. in rich woods, and moist thickets.
It is a antispasmodic, diuretic, sedative, and tonic. A strong tea was traditionally used for all types of nervous conditions such as anxiety, excitability, insomnia, restlessness, spasms, convulsions, including epilepsy, insomnia, rheumatism and neuralgia. Scutellarin, a flavonoid compound in the plant, as been confirmed to have sedative and antispasmodic qualities. It is known as mad-dog skullcap because the tea was once used as a folk remedy for rabies. Steep 1 teaspoon of the dried plant in 1 cup of water for 30 minutes Take 3-4 times a day. CAUTION: Large doses are of unknown toxicity.
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