Which one should I get? I only have a choice between "Mad dog skullcap" and "Downy Skullcap." and "Chienese Skullcap." Which is the better sedative or are they the same?
Other than all need different amounts of shade, that all three will need trial and error to find out. All three are shorter plants (under 24" tall). Scutelaria lateriflora seed in all of its itteration is irregulary offered for sale. And has (or had for me) a fairly short shelf life as seed.
Since your question is a medical one, we really can not give you a definitive answer on the sedative affects. Your first contact should be with a licensed herbalist to determine which, if any, would be helpful to you. Herbal doesn't mean it is completely safe to take. Scutellaria lateriflora - Mad-dog Skullcap, so named because treating rabies is one of it's benefits. Scutellaria Incana - Downy Skullcap Scutellaria baicalensis - Chinese Skullcap There are over 350 species of Skullcap and they are not all used in the same way or for the same purpose. Some sites state that Chinese Skullcap is only used for infections, headaches, alergies and never as a calmative. Skullcap shouldn't be taken by diabetics, pregnant women or nursing mothers, children or if you have stomach or spleen problems. It does have some possible serious interactions with other herbs, supplements and medications. If you are already taking herbs, medicines or even alcohol, that have any calming effect at all it can increase their potency, possibly to a dangerous level. Knowing which part of the plant to use is necessary. Roots of one and leaves of another are not interchangeable. Knowing how much skullcap to take and how often is vital because it has been known to cause confusion and giddiness when too much is taken. Other symptoms of overdose include stupor and twitching of limbs. You can do some extensive research on the three species but contacting a trained herbalist will be your best course of action.
