INTRODUCTION:
Scullcap (Scutellaria latiflora) belongs to the mint family and is native to North America. The aerial parts of this plant have been used by the American Natives medicinally and for its euphoric and sedative properties. Just as scullcap, the closely related Scutellaria baicalensis, a Chinese herb (Huang Quin), has also been used for its sedative effects. According to R.E. Schultes and A. Hofmann Scutellaria arvense should also be psychoactive. The name 'scullcap' referes to the shape of the dried seed capsules.

EFFECTS:
Sedation, relaxation, muscle relaxation (myorelaxation), mild euphoria, anxiolytic activity and tonic effects. Autonomic changes: antispasmodic, diuretic.

DURATION:
When a 'scullcap tea' is imbibed the effects last for one to three hours. When the dried herb is smoked, the effects last for a shorter time.

DOSAGE AND PREPARATION)
Scullcap can be prepared as a tea by boiling approximately 30 grams of dried plant material for 10-20 minutes in water. The plant material may also be smoked, but extracts are far more effective for this purpose. Scullcap is often taken in combination with other herbs; valerian, damiana, Passion flower and cannabis combine well with scullcap.