Scullcap (American) Seeds, Scutellaria lateriflora

Skullcap is Native American plant, the dried leaves and stems of which are used as an herbal medication and in teas to treat anxiety, stress and insomnia. Skullcap has been linked to several instances of clinically apparent liver injury, but usually in combination with other botanicals.

GROW: Skullcap Grows to a height of 60cm and produces bright blue flowers. The genus Scutelleria is named for the shape of the calyx of the flower which resembles a small cap. A Perennial plant hardy to zone 4 dies back in winter

Skullcap prefers partial shade to full sun. Water moderately, but make sure soil is well-drained. Prefers fertile soil.

Skullcap seeds will germinate at a high rate naturally, and does better with a short period of stratification (1 week or so). Seeds can be placed into refrigerator for one week, then started by lightly tamping seeds into soil in flats or similar starting container. Transplant outdoors when first true leaves are developed.

HARVEST: As a herb it is harvest when the plant is in full flower. Harvest to about 10cm from the ground and the plant may regenerate and produce a second harvest.
For cut flowers. Chose stems that have just begin to open, strip off the foliate and place in water immediate. makes good filler flower.

USE: Considered by many to be one of the finest nervine ever discovered. It is used to treat a wide variety of nerve related disorders including insomnia, nervous tension, nervousness, convulsions, sleeplessness, anxiety, epilepsy, neuralgia, depression and premenstrual syndrome. It is also used as a form or tranquilizer to help calm tremors of the nerves from drug and alcohol withdrawal as well as nourish the nervous system. Its bitter qualities also strengthen and stimulate digestion, promote suppressed menstruation, relieve breast pain and encourage expulsion of the placenta.

No Culinary use.