Skullcap

Skullcap got its name from the cap like appearance of the outer whorl of its small blue to lavender flowers that grow from a leaf axils of the upper plant.

It is a slender heavy branched plant that grows to a height of 4 feet and blooms in July. It is also known by other names such as hooded willow herb, mad-dog, mad weed, and helmet flower.

This hooded willow herb comes from the leaves and roots of two perennials that are native to mild regions of North America.

This herb is found from New York to West Virginia and in the southern states of South Carolina, Alabama, and Missouri. It grows in rich wood, thickets, bluffs, and along roadsides.

TARGET AILMENTS

Take internally for:

* diarrhea, dysentery.

* upper-respiratory infections with fever.

* urinary tract infections jaundice, hepatitis.

* nervous tension, irritability, headache, insomnia, epilepsy and other seizures.

* red face or eyes.

* coughing up or vomiting blood, nosebleeds, blood in the stool.

* valuable plant in many areas of mental disorders.

* used for withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers.

* used to promote menstruation and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome aggravated or caused by stress.

* throat infections.

* may enhance cancer chemotherapy.

* treat ADD.

* nervous headaches.

Maddog creates a soothing and stimulating feeling when mixed with Damiana.

It also combines well with Valerian.

PREPARATIONS

Over the counter:Available in health food stores as prepared tea, tinctures, dried leaves, and capsules.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion

Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk 3 times a day or whenneeded.

Tincture

Take ½ to 1 tsp. per 8-ozglass of warm water 3 times a day.

Although this herb is usually taken orally, it can be injected into a muscle or vein.

Part Used: Aerial parts

Collection: The aerial parts are harvested during the late summer and early fall.

Actions: Nerve tonic, sedative, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, hypnotic

SIDE EFFECTS

Not serious:

If stomach upset or diarrhea, reduce intake or stop using.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* WARNING: Mad Weed can cause drowsiness, so do not operate a vehicle.

* WARNING: Large amounts of the skullcap tincture may cause confusion, giddiness, twitching, and possibly convulsions.

* Use skullcap only under the supervision of a professional.

* Two studies have showed that skullcap increases levels of the “good” kind of cholesterol, so this herb may be useful in preventing heart disease and stroke.

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