Scullcap or Skull Cap
Scutellaria lateriflora, Labiatae

Indigenous to North America, this little herb is very abundant throughout the land, growing in damp places, meadows and by the sides of ponds. This small perennial, has an erect and very branching square stem 1-3 ft. in height. It derives its common name from the helmet-shaped upper lid of its small seed pods; the pale blue flowers bloom in pairs just above the leaves in July and August.

Medicinal Part: The whole herb

Solvents: dilute alcohol, boiling water

Uses:
- Skull cap is a most valuable remedy for controlling nervous irritation, insomnia, excitablilty, restlessness, epilepsy, bites of poisonous insects and snakes.
-When given with Pennyroyal as a tea, it is also successfully used as a female remedy for cramps and severe pain caused by suppressed menstruation due to colds.

Dose: Infuse 1 teaspoonful of the cut or powdered herb steeped in 1 cup of boiling water for ½ hour; take every hour for 3-4 hours for adults; in proportion for children.
Tincture alone, 312 drops in water as indicated. See book Indian Herbalogy of North America for some good advice on combinations of tinctures with other herbs.