Common Skullcap, Marsh skullcap

Scutellaria galericulata

Physical Characteristics

Scutellaria galericulata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, south and east from Scandanavia to Spain, north and west Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antiinflammatory Antispasmodic Astringent Epilepsy Febrifuge Nervine Tonic The herb is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, slightly astringent, febrifuge, nervine and strongly tonic[4, 9, 165]. In the home an infusion is sometimes used in the treatment of throat infections[9]. The plant is harvested in the summer as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use[9]. This plant is rarely if ever used in herbal medicine[9], though it is said to have the same applications as S. lateriflora[238]. These applications are:- Skullcap was traditionally used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, delirium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquillisers, and neuralgia[222, 238]. An infusion of the plant has been used to promote suppressed menstruation[213], it should not be given to pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage[238]. This plant should be used with some caution since in excess it causes giddiness, stupor, confusion and twitching[238].

Known Hazards

None known