Skull Cap 4:1

Botanical: Scutellaria lateriflora
Family: Labiatae-Lamiaceae (mint)

Other common names: Scullcap, Blue Pimpernel, Blue Skullcap, Hood Wort, Mad Dog Weed, Helmet Flower, Side Flower, Madweed, Virginia Skullcap, Quaker Bonnet, American Scullcap

Skull Cap helps you to rest and relax.....naturally!  This herb is a longtime favorite that can be found in relaxing teas and supplements, often combined with other soothing herbs like Chamomile and Valerian.  Women also appreciate Skull Cap for its unique ability to ease monthly discomforts.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Skull Cap, also spelled Scull Cap, is so-called, because the inverted calyx cup looks like a helmet with the visor raised, and it also looks somewhat like a skull.  The nickname, Mad Dog Weed, came to us, because Dr. Vanderveer, a New Jersey physician, used Skull Cap in the 1700s to treat four hundred people who had been bitten by rabid dogs.  Skull Cap is a native of North America, where it thrives in moist woodlands.   Its species name, lateriflora, refers to the fact that the plant's flowers grow only on one side of the stem.  In pagan "handfast" (marriage) ceremonies, a cup of Skull Cap was passed when couples wanted to make vows that extend beyond this life. The Skull Caps, belonging to the genus, Scutellaria, are herbaceous, slender, labiate plants, scattered over different parts of the world, in temperate regions and tropical mountains, being especially abundant in America. Skull Cap relaxes states of nervous tension, while simultaneously renewing and reviving the central nervous system.  Skull Cap has traditionally been used in combination with Valerian as a mild sedative for anxiety.  It has also been used in patented medicines for "female problems."  It has a specific use by herbalists for the treatment of seizure and hysterical states, as well as epilepsy.  Skull Cap may also be used in all exhausted or depressed conditions, and it can also be used for easing of premenstrual tension. Primary chemical constituents of Skull Cap include lignin, tannin, essential oil, flavonoids (scutellarin), scutellonin, isoscutellarin, wogonin, baicalin, baicalein, beta-sitosterol, bitter principle (scutellaine), palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, phenols, calcium and B-vitamins.  Chinese research has shown that extracts of Skull Cap have ben active against a range of bacteria, and that the herb is an effective antiviral agent to treat the flu. It is often prescribed for acute tonsillitis and strep throat.  The constituent, baicalin, also appears to inhibit tumor growth and shows strong anti-inflammatory activity.  Both baicalin and baicalein are powerful antioxidants, protecting red blood cells from free radical damage - some say better than vitamin E.   They both show some promise in preventing the oxidation of blood fats, although baicalein appears to be more active.  Skull Cap has strong tonic, nervine and antispasmodic action, and it is slightly astringent.  This herb is also believed to aid sleep, improve circulation, strengthen heart muscles, increase blood clotting time, relieve muscle cramps, pain, spasms and stress.  Skull Cap is thought to be useful in treating anxiety, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, headache, hyperactivity, nervous disorders and rheumatism.  This botanical has also shown potential in treating barbiturate addiction and drug withdrawal.  And finally, Skull Cap is said to improve motor ability and impairment of the senses.  It is thought that scutellarin is transformed by hydrolysis into scutellarein, helping to stimulate the brain to produce more endorphins, which is said to enhance both awareness and a feeling of calm.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Skull Cap. Large doses (many times the recommended amount) may cause giddiness, confusion, twitching and stupor, but the herb works well when taken consistently over a period of time (several weeks). Skull Cap should not be given to children.  Taking Skull Cap and blood thinners together may further decrease blood clotting, possibly leading to easy bruising and bleeding. Because of Skull Cap's sedative qualities, taking it with medicines used for sleep or anxiety may cause extreme drowsiness affecting your ability to operate heavy equipment or drive a car safely.

Capsule Information:
Our Skull Cap supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.