Skullcap
Skullcap
Skullcap (pronounced /ˈskʌlkæp/) is a common name for several species of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are often used in traditional medicine, particularly in North America and East Asia.
Etymology
The term "skullcap" is derived from the shape of the flowers, which resemble miniature medieval helmets, known as skullcaps. The scientific name for the genus, Scutellaria, is derived from the Latin scutella, meaning "a small dish, tray or platter", or "little dish", referring to the shape of the calyx.
Species
There are approximately 300 species of skullcap, including:
- Scutellaria lateriflora, commonly known as blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap, and side-flowering skullcap.
- Scutellaria baicalensis, also known as Chinese skullcap or Baikal skullcap.
- Scutellaria galericulata, commonly known as common skullcap, marsh skullcap or hooded skullcap.
- Scutellaria barbata, also known as barbed skullcap.
Uses
Skullcap plants are used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes. For example, Scutellaria lateriflora is used in North American traditional medicine as a sedative and treatment for conditions like anxiety and insomnia. Scutellaria baicalensis is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as inflammation, cancer, and infections.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Skullcap
- Wikipedia's article - Skullcap
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