Letha’s Asian Health Secrets

Is there one herb you can use for fever, hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia? It may be skullcap named for the decorative hat worn by women during early American colonial times. Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora,) AKA helmet flower, blue pimpernel, Quaker bonnet, hoodwort, and mad dog weed, grows wild in the woods of eastern North America. Skullcap was originally used as a treatment for rabies because of its tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system. Clinical studies have demonstrated skullcap’s ability to improve blood flow in the brain, inhibit muscle spasms, and act as a sedative. Some alternative health practitioners are now using skullcap to help treat symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Skullcap is used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, anxiety, delirium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers.

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