Description
Skullcap
Botanical Name: Scutellaria lateriflora
Skullcap is a perennial herb which is native to North America. It grows to about 70cm in height and spreads by running roots. It has many erect branches with opposite pairs of oblong leave sand lots of small blue flowers on the upper parts of the stems.
Medicinally Skullcap was traditionally used as a nerve tonic and sedative. Today it is used mainly for nervous conditions including insomnia, tension headaches and nervous exhaustion. It has also been used to aid in withdrawal from barbiturates, tranquillizers and alcohol.
Growing Conditions
Skullcap will grow in full sun to part. It prefers a well drained but moist position. It spreads by running roots and dies back completely in the winter before shooting away again in the spring.
