American Skullcap

 

     Some plants I’m drawn too because of their striking beauty. With others, it’s their name. This little mint-family plant was first brought to my attention after I was in a car accident that left every muscle in my back in some serious spasms. Skullcap, or Scutellaria lateriflora, is a well-known natural muscle relaxer that does not leave you drowsy or unable to function. It may not look like much, but it is a wonderful herb to get to know.

     Scutellaria lateriflora is endemic (meaning it can only be found) to North America, but there are species of skullcaps found throughout the world. S. baicalensis and S. barbatae are two species that are native to Eastern Asia and Northern China and are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These two often get confused with S. lateriflora though these plants are used quite differently in practice. 

     Scutellaria is a genus of around 300 species in the Lamiaceae, or mint, family. They are annual or perennial and have the standard traits of most mints. They are known for square stems, opposite and toothed leaves, with bilaterally symmetrical flowers. Unlike most mint family plants, Scutellaria tend to not be aromatic. S. lateriflora is a wetland loving species that grows near marshes, meadows and other wet habitats. The blue to purple petals of the flowers were said to resemble the helmets of medieval European soldiers, hence its common name: skullcap.

Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- American Skullcap, Blue Pimpernel, Blue Skullcap, Escutelaria, Grande Toque, Helmet Flower, Hoodwort, Mad-Dog Herb, Mad-Dog Skullcap, Mad-Dog Weed, Mad Weed, Quaker Bonnet, & Scullcap

Scientific Name- Scutellaria lateriflora (Scutellaria baicalensis is a different plant with slightly different uses)

Family- Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Summary of Actions- Abortifacient, Anticonvulsant, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic, Astringent (slightly), Bitter, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Nervine tonic & Relaxant, Hypotensive, Sedative, Tonic 

Parts Used- Aerial (above ground parts)

Energetics/Flavors- Bitter, Cold

Key Constituents- Flavonoids, Baicalein, Apigenin, Oroxylin A, Scutellarein, Steroidal saponins, Glycosides, Volatile oils, Tannins, Zinc. More than 295 chemical compounds have been isolated.

Edibility- The aerial parts can safely be eaten raw or cooked. The flowers make wonderful garnishes for pastries. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) and Ban Zhi Lian (S. barbatae) are the two common Chinese names for Skullcap. I’m not aware of a Chinese name for S. lateriflora, though it is used for the Stomach, Lungs, and Kidney meridians. It helps move Qi and calm nerves, clears heat and resolves fevers, restores stomach function and promotes urination. Skullcap is also used for snakebite, rashes, and insect bites. 

Ayurveda- This herb is used in Ayurvedic medicine for Pitta types that tend to become irritable, angry, or may struggle with sleep because of stress. It also is used in a preparation (Ramayana #16) that is used to treat epilepsy.

Native American Traditional Uses- The Cherokee, and some other Native American Tribes, used Skullcap as an herb for female issues. It was predominantly used as an emmenagogue, helping to bring on late periods and stimulate blood flow in the pelvic regions as well as in the uterus. A decoction of the root was also taken after birth to stimulate the reproductive system. It was also used in purification ceremonies when some menstrual taboos were broken, or in ceremonies to bring girls into womanhood. The Iroquois use an infusion of the root to keep the throat clear. Other Native American tribes use closely related species as bitter tonics for the kidneys. This herb is used to induce visions and as a ceremonial plant to be smoked as tobacco by some Native Indians. It was also thought to be effective against rabies (modern research discredited this use), which is why one of the common names is Mad-Dog Herb.

Healthy Sleep- Skullcap is a gentle sedative that doesn’t cause extreme lethargy like many other sedatives do. However, it is still a great herb for insomnia and other sleeping problems. Particularly restlessness, muscle tension, and jaw clenching. This herb helps to quiet racing thoughts and has also been known to reduce nightmares. 

Pain- Skullcap is useful for general pain such as headaches, injuries, spasmodic pains such as cramps and general body pains. By itself it’s not very potent. However, it can help amplify the pain-relieving properties of other herbs. It also doesn’t cause lethargy or brain fog like some other pain-relieving herbs do, so if you need to be aware of, and focused on, what you are doing but still need a bit of pain-relief, Skullcap is a great herb.

Anxiety, Depression, Nervous Tension, & Stress- S. lateriflora helps to nourish and mildly sedate the nervous system. This makes it a great stress neutralizer that helps calm and center people that deal with high amounts of stress on a daily basis. It also helps to detox the body, helping to get rid of built-up stress hormones and releasing nervous tension. These properties along with the trophorestorative (restoring the nutrition uptake of the nerves) effects of this herb make it great to help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and helping to fight burnout.

Seizures- This herb’s anticonvulsant and antispasmodic properties make it a great herb to help prevent seizures in those who struggle with epilepsy. It can also help to relax muscles and ease some of the pain that occurs after a seizure.

Muscle Relaxant- The primary way I personally use this herb is as a muscle relaxant. It helps reduce cramps and spasms in both skeletal and smooth muscle tissue without causing drowsiness. 

PMS and Women’s Complaints- Women use S. lateriflora to stimulate menstrual flow when menstruation is absent such as in hormonal disorders or conditions like oligomenorrhea (light menses). It is also often used in combination with crampbark (Viburnum opulus) to help prevent or treat cramps associated with menses and/or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s- Oxidative stress affects some brain-related diseases, such Alzheimer’s disease, depression and Parkinson’s disease. Skullcap is an antioxidant that has tonic actions on the central nervous system. Some research indicates that bioactive compounds found skullcap, may neutralize, and even eliminate toxic free radicals that cause this damage. In addition to its antioxidant activities, it also helps to support proper blood flow to the brain. 

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- There are possible drug interactions with central nervous system depressants and other sedatives (including anesthesia). If you are taking any of these, or preparing for surgery, check with your doctor before trying American Skullcap. Avoid during pregnancy as it may trigger a miscarriage. 

     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing little herb. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates and more adventures in nature. Fine me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on TeeSpring, check it out! If you like what I do and want to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

American Skullcap: Gaia Herbs: https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/american-skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora: Plants for a Future: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Scutellaria+lateriflora

Skullcap: St. Luke’s Hospital: https://www.stlukes-stl.com/health-content/medicine/33/000273.htm

Skullcap: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/skullcap/

Skullcap 101: Traditional Medicinals: https://www.traditionalmedicinals.com/articles/plants/skullcap-101/

Skullcap- Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage: Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/skullcap

Skullcap: The National Center for Biotechnology Information: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548757/#:~:text=Skullcap%20is%20a%20flowering%20perennial,nervousness%2C%20digestive%20and%20kidney%20problems.

Skullcap Energetics, S. Lateriflora or North American Skullcap: The Practical Herbalist: https://thepracticalherbalist.com/advanced-herbalism/skullcap-energetics-s-lateriflora-or-north-american-skullcap/

SKULLCAP- MINTY, MAGICAL HERB FOR STRESS RELIEF: Calm Botanicals: https://www.calmbotanicals.com/blogs/news/skullcap-minty-magical-herb-for-stress-relief

Skullcap-Potential medicinal Crop: Purdue University: https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu02/v5-580.html

Skullcap- The Perfect Herb for Flu Season and Beyond: Dr. Axe: https://draxe.com/nutrition/skullcap/

The Skullcaps-A Scutellaria Monograph: Northeast School of Botanical Medicine: https://7song.com/the-skullcaps-a-scutellaria-monograph/

American Sweetgum

    

     There are some plants out there that people either seem to love or hate. Today I want to introduce you to one of these. Sweetgum is one of my favorite trees. Yes, I am well acquainted with the seed balls that are like the forest equivalent of sand spurs, but I have fond memories of pelting my friends with them when I was very young. I also remember being very fond of a series of movies titled “The Land Before Time.” In these movies, a group of young dinosaurs travel together to find the Great Valley. Along the way, you discover that the favorite food of the herbivores of the group is the Tree Star. I’ve always thought that the leaves of the Sweetgum looked an awful lot like those leaves. Even to the point that my husband and I often refer to the Sweetgum as the Tree Star Tree.      

     

     Sweetgum, or Liquidambar styraciflua, is a species of tree native to the Southeastern portion of the United States. Its native range extends from Texas eastward to the coast and from as far north as Tennessee down to Central Florida. It’s also found in some of the forests of Mexico and Central America. This beautiful member of the Altingiaceae family is known for its striking fall foliage. It can reach heights of up to 100 ft (about 30.5 meters) and provides shelter and food for quite a wide variety of wildlife. The leaves are alternate, maple-like, and star-shaped. Typically they will have about 5 to 7 lobes and are 4 to 8 inches (10 - 20cm) long and wide with serrated margins. The dark to medium glossy green leaves change to a kaleidoscope of yellow, red, purple tones in the fall and have a camphor-like smell when they are crushed.

  

     One other reason for the hatred this lovely tree gets is that they’re impossible to get rid of. If you cut one down a bunch of suckers will pop up from the roots. If you cut those off, they’ll just re-grow. It’s like the hydra of the tree world. The wood is also terrible for pretty much anything. It’s not particularly strong, but somehow at the same time, it’s next to impossible to split. If you’re using an axe, you can pretty much forget about it. Even if you do succeed, it’s not great firewood. It burns up fast, but not very hot. It also smokes a lot and tends to pop. It’s a marginal timber tree since it tends to warp badly when dried, though somehow it’s one of the most used timber trees in the South. It’s mostly used for applications where looks and workability don’t matter, like railroad ties. And for bushcraft applications, its uses are limited. It’s fine for things like shelter poles where it doesn’t bear much weight or take any impact, but other than that, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Sweetgum is springy to a point but tends to shatter when put under much stress. And when left in the elements, it will quickly split and rot.

 

 

Check out this amazing grove of Sweetgum trees we found and hear some details about this beautiful tree!

Medicinal Uses:

 

Common Names- Sweetgum, Sweet-Gum, American Sweetgum, American Sweet-Gum, White Gum, Styrax, Star-leaved Gum, Red Gum, Opossum Tree, Liquid Storax, Liquidamber, Gum Tree, Copalm, American Storax, Alligator Wood, Satin Walnut

Scientific Name- Liquidambar styraciflua 

Edibility- The leaves are edible, but not tasty. The dried sap can be chewed as a bitter gum. Don’t let the common name fool you, it’s not sweet, it’s only considered sweet in comparison to the Tupelo or Sour Gum which it shares a habitat with.

Summary of Actions- Anticoagulant, Anticonvulsant, Antifungal, Antihepatotoxic, Antihypertensive, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Anti-ulcerogenic, Antiviral, Astringent, Carminative, Diuretic, Expectorant, Parasiticide, Stimulant, Sedative, and Vulnerary

Energetics and Flavors- Bitter and Pungent

Parts Used- Balsam (the sap), Bark, Balls, Leaves

Traditional Native American- Traditionally used by several Native American tribes, Sweetgum was used as a decoction made from the inner bark. This decoction is a powerful remedy for coughs, colds, flu, and fevers. It works as a gentle expectorant to help expel mucus, and as an antispasmodic to calm your lungs. Externally, the leaves have been used as a poultice for arthritis and sore joints, and work well as an anti-inflammatory. A salve can even be made by burning the Sweetgum balls down to ash and mixing it with bear grease or lard.

Cough, Cold, & Flu- Sweetgum contains a chemical known as oseltamivir phosphate or shikimic acid. This is the primary active ingredient in Tamiflu which is well-known over the counter medication for cold and flu. Traditionally a decoction made from either the inner bark of the tree or the seeds was sweetened and used as a syrup to help control cough, cold, and flu. 

Skin and Wound Care- Herbal baths that include Sweetgum may help to soothe inflamed joints and muscles. It can also help to improve the health of your skin. Sweetgum sap can also be used to help speed the healing of minor wounds and burns, as well as to prevent any infections.

Ringworm & Scabies- A salve made with Sweetgum sap will help to get rid of parasites such as ringworm and scabies. As a bonus, Sweetgum is also antimicrobial so it will help prevent any secondary infections that may result. 

Diarrhea & Dysentery- One of the traditional uses for this tree was to help treat diarrhea and dysentery. Simply drink ½ cup of a decoction made from the bark twice a day.

 Mucous Membranes- Sweetgum’s anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe mucus membranes. Especially in the case of catarrh, an inflammation of the mucous membranes in one of the airways or cavities of the body, usually with reference to the throat and paranasal sinuses.

Natural Toothbrush- Ever been camping and forgot your toothbrush? Or have you ever been hiking and get something stuck in your teeth? Sweetgum is a great tree for fixing this issue. Take your knife and cut a sweetgum twig no larger than a #2 pencil and 4”-6” long. Sharpen one end of it. That’s your toothpick. Take the other end and carefully score the face of it with your knife. This helps it fuzz out more quickly. Then simply chew on it for a while until the wood fibers start to fuzz out into a brush. Once you’re satisfied with the bristle texture, you can brush your teeth. The technique is a bit different than what you’re used to, you’ve got to go one tooth at a time. But let me tell you, this really works. The sap also has mild antiseptic qualities, which helps eliminate bad breath and leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh.

 Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- None known

   

     I only included a basic introduction to this amazing native tree. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Reishi

   

     Mushrooms are associated with many things. From magic and spirituality, to danger and poison. And, to be fair, many mushrooms do a little bit of it all. Today, however, I wanted to introduce you to the mushroom that has been used medicinally for the longest time in recorded history. Reishi.

     Reishi, Ganoderma lucidum, is a polypore mushroom that are soft corky and flat, with a red-varnish, kidney shaped cap. They do not have any gills on their undersides. They are hard to the touch, with a leathery feel, meaning they are resilient and can last for many years, as opposed to many other fungi that only last a few days. They grow as a parasite, or saprotroph, on a wide variety of trees and aid in the decomposition process of wood. There are around 219 species of Ganoderma in the world, 80 of which are of commercial use. There are six different species used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and several other close relations used by herbalists world wide. Ganoderma grow in the North Eastern Hemlock forests and have a worldwide distribution, typically in both tropical and temperate regions. When found in nature, Ganoderma prefer to grow at the base of deciduous trees, and are particularly fond of maples. The Ganoderma genus is becoming more and more complex as we develop and use DNA analysis. Every year we are finding out more and more about Reishi, and other fungi, and learning that we know even less than we thought we did. Several species of medicinal Reishi have recently been found to actually be multiple different species, which could go a long way to explaining the different variations that exist within this genus. While Ganoderma has been used, in TCM, for over 2,000 years, there are really six dominant species that have been in use, each of which is classified by color and potency. Our local varieties are the Ganoderma curtisii and the Ganoderma zonatum.

     While there are so many species that have medicinal value, I tend towards the utmost caution when it comes to our fungal friends. Mushrooms tend to have varied effects from species to species. Some species may not have a noticeable effect at all, and some may be so strong as to be considered toxic. This is one medicinal I would only get from a trusted source, at least until I have enough experience working with it myself (preferably under the guidance of a mycological mentor).




Medicinal Uses:

Common Names- Reishi, Red Reishi, Mushroom of Imortality

Scientific Name- Ganoderma lucidum, G. lingzhi, G. curtisii, G. zonatum 

Edibility- It’s edible, but very bitter.

Summary of Actions- Antiallergic, antiatherogenic, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, diuretic, immunomodulating, laxative, sedative, and tonic.

Parts Used- The whole mushroom

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- Known as Ling Zhi in TCM tradition, there are six different types of Ganoderma lucidum. Each one is classified by color and each has slightly different properties. The most commonly used, and most potent, is the red variety. It is used to calm Shen, tonify Wei Qi and Blood, nourish the heart, remove toxicity, disperse accumulations, and support the Three Treasures (Jing, Qi, and Shen).

Stress Management- Reishi is an adaptogen, a classification of herbs that help flush out harmful stress related toxins and help our bodies adopt a healthy response to stress. This helps to alleviate anxiety and improve symptoms associated with stress, such as insomnia.

Increased Immunity- While some details are still uncertain, test-tube studies have shown that Ganoderma can affect the genes in white blood cells, which are critical parts of your immune system. What’s more, these studies have found that some forms of Ganoderma may alter inflammation pathways in white blood cells. There is a question to Ganoderma’s effect on healthy people as some studies have shown that there is no increased white blood cell activity in healthy patients, only in ill ones, or in athletes who have been exposed to stressful situations.


Fatigue- One study examined its effects in 132 people with neurasthenia, a poorly defined condition associated with aches, pains, dizziness, headaches and irritability. The researchers found that fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved after 8 weeks of taking the supplements. Another study found that fatigue was reduced and quality of life was improved after 4 weeks of taking Ganoderma powder.

Cardiovascular Health- One 12-week study of 26 people showed that Reishi may increase “good” HDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides. The effect of Reishi on blood pressure is conflicting. Taking Reishi doesn't seem to lower blood pressure in people with only slightly high blood pressure. But it seems to lower blood pressure in people with more severe high blood pressure.

Cancer- Studies seem to suggest that cancer patients who supplement with Ganoderma extract are more likely to respond positively to chemotherapy and radiation than those who do not supplement. However, it does not have a significant effect on killing cancer cells when used alone. Patients taking Ganoderma have reported a better quality of life, but no studies recorded whether or not patients who took Ganoderma lived longer than those who did not. Other research in cancer patients has shown that some of the phytochemicals found in the mushroom can increase the activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells, which fight infections and cancer in the body. Consult your doctor before supplementing with Ganoderma as it does interact with certain medications and treatments.

Allergies- Reishi has been used for allergies and allergic asthma reactions for quite a long time. Modern studies have shown that the ganoderic acid present in Reishi acts as an antihistamine, reducing the body’s histamine response. Some of these studies have also shown that Reishi, while supporting the immune system, can also regulate the body’s immune response, helping to stifle an overactive immune system.

Cautions, Contraindications, and Warnings- Reishi mushroom extract is safe when taken by mouth, in the correct dosage, for up to one year. Reishi mushroom is safe when taken by mouth in a powdered form for less than one month. Use of powdered Reishi, for longer than one month, has been associated with toxic effects on the liver. Reishi mushroom can also cause other side effects including dryness of the mouth, throat, and nasal area along with itchiness, stomach upset, nosebleed, and bloody stools. Drinking Reishi wine can cause a rash. Breathing in Reishi spores can trigger allergies. There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking Reishi mushroom if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. There are some drug interactions reported, if you are taking any medications please consult your doctor. Reishi is associated with increased risk of bleeding in people who have bleeding disorders. Consult with your doctor if you think you are at risk. Also, discontinue the use of Reishi for at least 2 weeks prior to any surgeries as it may increase your risk of complications.






     I only included a basic introduction to this wonderfully useful fungus. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram or updates on my adventures in Nature. Find me on YouTube and check out my videos! I also have a few things up on Teespring, check it out! Also, if you like what I do and what to see more, Become a Patron!

Resources:

6 Benefits of Reishi Mushroom (Plus Side Effects and Dosage): Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/reishi-mushroom-benefits

The Benefits of Reishi Mushroom: Four Sigmatic: https://site.foursigmatic.com/blog/reishi

The Benefits of Reishi Mushroom: Landish: https://landish.co/pages/reishi

Everything You Need To Know About Reishi Mushrooms: Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326520

Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): Herbal Medicine – Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

Polypore: Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypore

Reishi: White Rabbit Institute of Healing: https://www.whiterabbitinstituteofhealing.com/herbs/reishi/

Reishi Mushroom: The ASCO Post: https://www.ascopost.com/issues/august-10-2018/reishi-mushroom/

Reishi Mushroom : Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/reishi-mushroom

Reishi Mushroom: WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-905/reishi-mushroom

Reishi, the Queen of Medicinal Mushrooms: Ayurveda Mandala: https://ayurveda-mandala.com/blog/reishi-the-queen-of-medicinal-mushrooms/#:~:text=Reishi%20or%20Ganoderma%20Lucidum%20as,spirit%20and%20calm%20the%20mind.

Scientific Research & Medicinal Fungi: North American Mycological Association: https://namyco.org/scientific_research_and_medici.php