The herb is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, slightly astringent, febrifuge, nervine and strongly tonic[4, 9, 165]. In the home an infusion is sometimes used in the treatment of throat infections[9]. The plant is harvested in the summer as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use[9]. This plant is rarely if ever used in herbal medicine[9], though it is said to have the same applications as S. lateriflora[238]. These applications are:- Skullcap was traditionally used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, anxiety, delirium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquillisers, and neuralgia[222, 238]. An infusion of the plant has been used to promote suppressed menstruation[213], it should not be given to pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage[238]. This plant should be used with some caution since in excess it causes giddiness, stupor, confusion and twitching[238].