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Herbs & Supplements
American Scullcap
Scientific Name: Scullcap
Other Names: Blue Pimpernel, Common Scullcap, Helmet Flower, Hoodwort, Mad-Dog Weed, Quaker Bonnet, Scutellaria lateriflora, Skullcap
What side effects should I watch for?
Major Side Effects
Reportedly, exceptionally large doses of American scullcap tincture have resulted in seizure-like movements of the arms and legs. A tincture is a relatively weak liquid preparation made by soaking plant parts in a solvent such as alcohol and then straining out the solid particles, leaving the active chemicals in the solution. Due to the decreasing use of American scullcap since about 1950, most reports of side effects involve case reports from the early 1900's, when records frequently were not as complete or accurate as later reports. No large, well-controlled studies of American scullcap have been carried out in humans to prove or disprove either its effectiveness or its potential for side effects. If American scullcap is used, doses should be limited to no more than is recommended on the package. Usually, American scullcap is taken for only a few days at a time.
Less Severe Side Effects
Although recommended doses of American scullcap are not thought to result in side effects, one case of confusion and irregular pulse from an exceptionally large dose has been reported in medical literature.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What side effects should I watch for? 
