Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
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- Mental
- 2 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a perennial, up to about 2 ft (60 cm), with branching stems, lanceolate leaves, and small pink to blue flowers. As a relaxing nervine, skullcap soothes anxiety, stress, and insomnia. The fresh plant, tinctured, is thought to have a gentler tonic action; dried skullcap can be more sedative.
Traditional uses & properties
Nervine & Sedative: Eases restless agitation, tension headaches, and insomnia, especially when overstimulation, noise, and light exacerbate symptoms. Antispasmodic & Analgesic: May aid in muscle twitches, nervous tics, or chronic tension. Historical Uses: Nineteenth-century herbalists used it for hysteria, epilepsy, and serious nerve disorders; modern usage centers on anxiety, sleeplessness, and nervous depletion. Stress Relief: Ideal for those feeling harassed by every minor stimulus, with improved rest and calmer sleep.
Safety & precautions
Professional Guidance: Generally mild, but high doses or combining with other sedatives warrant caution. Fresh Plant: Can be stronger and is best used in tincture form for a tonic effect.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to North America, skullcap grows in damp soils and near riverbanks. Propagated from seeds or root division in spring, it’s harvested in summer when in flower. The aerial parts are used (flowers, leaves, and stems).
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) as follows: Nervine & Sedative: Eases restless agitation, tension headaches, and insomnia, especially when overstimulation, noise, and light exacerbate symptoms. Antispasmodic & Analgesic: May aid in muscle twitches, nervous tics, or chronic tension. Historical Uses: Nineteenth-century herbalists used it for hysteria, epilepsy, and serious nerve disorders; modern usage centers on anxiety, sleeplessness, and nervous depletion. Stress Relief: Ideal for those feeling harassed by every minor stimulus, with improved rest and calmer sleep.
What safety cautions apply to Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)?
Professional Guidance: Generally mild, but high doses or combining with other sedatives warrant caution. Fresh Plant: Can be stronger and is best used in tincture form for a tonic effect.
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