Skullcap
Skullcap is a common name for plants in the genus *Scutellaria*, especially American skullcap (*Scutellaria lateriflora*) and Chinese skullcap (*Scutellaria baicalensis*).
Skullcap is a common name for plants in the genus *Scutellaria*, especially American and Chinese species used in herbal medicine. It is traditionally taken for relaxation, sleep support, and nervous tension, often as a tea or tincture.
What it is
Skullcap refers to several flowering plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), most notably American skullcap (*Scutellaria lateriflora*) and Chinese skullcap (*Scutellaria baicalensis*). The herb has a long history in both Western and Eastern traditional medicine, primarily as a nervine for calming the nervous system.
Traditional uses
Herbalists have used skullcap for anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension, and spasms. It is commonly prepared as tea, capsules, tinctures, or powdered extracts. Evidence for anxiety relief is limited and mixed, but traditional use remains widespread.
Safety and side effects
Skullcap is generally well tolerated, but mild gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, and allergic reactions are possible. Rare liver toxicity has been reported, particularly with multi-herb products or those of uncertain quality. Dosage varies by product; sources suggest 1–3 g of dried herb daily or 2–5 mL of tincture.
In short
- Skullcap is an herbal name for several *Scutellaria* species, not a single plant.
- American and Chinese skullcap are the two best-known medicinal species.
- It is commonly used for relaxation, sleep, and nervous tension.
- Reported side effects include mild stomach upset and rare liver injury.
Skullcap grows wild in parts of North America, including Canada, and is known to Canadian herbal readers as both a wild medicinal plant and a commercial herbal supplement.[6]
Quick questions
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Sources
- Tua Saúde — https://www.tuasaude.com/en/skullcap/Supports: Definition as *Scutellaria* species; forms of use; benefits; side effects; note on rare liver toxicity.
- Healthline — https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/skullcapSupports: Skullcap as a flowering plant in the mint family; supplement uses; general benefits.
- Learning Herbs — https://www.learningherbs.com/blog/skullcap-usesSupports: Traditional uses; tea preparation; dosage examples for dried herb and tea.
- Dr. Christopher Hobbs — https://christopherhobbs.com/herbal-therapeutics-database/herb/skullcap/Supports: Traditional nervine use; side effects; dosage examples.
- Herbal Reality — https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/skullcap/Supports: Dosage examples for dried herb and tincture.
- HerbaZest — https://www.herbazest.com/herbs/skullcapSupports: General description; native range including Canada; traditional calming use.
- NCBI Bookshelf (LiverTox) — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548757/Supports: Traditional use for anxiety, stress and insomnia; note on sedative use and liver-toxicity discussion.
- RxList — https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/skullcap.htmSupports: Uses for anxiety and insomnia; uncertainty about appropriate dose; early research on relaxation.