Skullcap contains substances like flavonoids, iridol, sesquiterpene, tannins, bitter substances, essential oil, resin, iron, silicon, calcium, magnesium, lignin and wogonin.
Some Native American tribes used it as an emmenagogue to bring young girls into womanhood.
It was also traditionally used to bring on visions (in large doses) during spiritual ceremonies.
It was once used as a treatment for rabies and schizophrenia (hence the names maddog skullcap, maddog weed, and mad weed.)
This plant is also a nervine with sedative qualities and is helpful in the treatment of many nervous conditions such as epilepsy, hysteria, anxiety, delirium tremens and as a remedy for panic attacks.
It has also been found useful in treating symptoms of withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers.
Medicinal infusions of this herb have been used to promote menstruation.
An infusion of skullcap may also be helpful in treating throat infections and, due to its antispasmodic and sedative effects. It is also used for treating headaches from stress, neuralgia, and from incessant coughing.
This herb can also be used to induce sleep naturally without the negative effects of many prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids.
Skullcap is gaining some recognition as an alternative treatment for attention deficit disorder (ADHD/ADD).
This plant is sometimes used to treat the symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa, fibromyalgia and even mild Tourette’s syndrome.
Skullcap is also used as an herbal treatment for asthma and as a hiccup and hangover remedy.
Herbal Resource
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