Happy Skullcap - alkaloid extract
Scutellaria lateriflora, known as American skullcap, is a perennial plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae) native to North America. The herb was traditionally used by North American indigenous peoples and has been one of the best-known calming herbs in Western herbalism since the nineteenth century. Herbalists use it as a nervine: an herb that supports and tones the nervous system, mild in action and often paired in herbal practice with a stronger herb such as valerian.
The main active compounds are the flavonoids baicalin and wogonin. Herbal tradition holds that these compounds act on the GABA receptor, the same binding site as benzodiazepines, which would explain the calming and mildly anxiolytic effect; this is a traditionally assumed mechanism, not an established medical claim.
This TPA extract (Total Purified Alkaloids) isolates skullcap's alkaloids and flavonoids through extraction and purification, then dissolves them in a base of ethanol and water. The result is a clear liquid extract free of plant residue, wax or chlorophyll.
Dosage
Start with 5 to 10 drops (about 0.25-0.5 ml) per use and assess your response before increasing the dose.
Use
The extract can be taken sublingually (drops directly under the tongue) or diluted in a small amount of water; the ethanol content gives it a sharp taste, so diluting makes it more pleasant to take. Skullcap of unknown or very cheap origin is occasionally adulterated in the herb trade with germander (Teucrium), a plant linked to liver damage, so always buy skullcap from a reliable supplier. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with severe liver or kidney conditions.
Storage
Store the extract cool, dark and upright in a closed container, out of reach of children. Reseal the cap tightly after use to prevent the ethanol from evaporating.
