Skullcap

Skullcap is a deeply restorative and calming plant, offering a profound sense of support to frayed, exhausted or anxious states. It can be thought of as stepping in when the nervous system has extended beyond its boundaries and limitations — for example, if someone has been living under prolonged stress or in a heightened state of alert for too long. Instead of numbing stressful feelings or emotions, it helps to nurture the nerves back into a state of balance (2). 

Energetically, it is cooling, drying, relaxing and restorative. This can extend to its action on providing clarity for scattered thoughts, as it helps to reduce excess dampness which can be a factor in looping thoughts or mental overstimulation (2,3). In contrast to other hypnotics such as hops (Humulus lupulus), skullcap doesn’t dull or sedate the mind, it brings clarity and helps to centre awareness (2,3). 

Ayurvedic use of skullcap includes its use in lowering excessive pitta and for helping reduce heat-driven emotions such as hatred, anger or irritation. It also works to anchor vata when it is tense or overstimulated (7).

It soothes the heart and is said to possess sattvic qualities, bringing about a clarity of mind. It is often combined with gotu kola (Centella asiatica) for such situations (7).

Nervous system

Skullcap is a key nervous system tonic, helping to restore frayed nerves, reduce nervous excitability and relieve tension. It is most effective in chronic states, for example in prolonged states of stress or nervous system dysregulation rather than acute inflammatory conditions (2,11). It can be applied to help in sympathetic overdrive, and in cases where cortisol levels have been heightened for an extended period (1,3).

For use in cases of debility or nervous exhaustion, it can be prescribed in combination with adaptogenic or nervine herbs including ashwagandha (Withania somniferum), St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) or schisandra (Schisandra chinensis). The thymoleptic action also indicates skullcap in the treatment of low mood or depression (3,4). 

In TCM, skullcap regulates Heart qi, and in particular where constrained qi arises from deficiency rather than excess, supporting its use in more chronic conditions (11). 

Its relaxant effect helps to calm spasm, pain and tension resulting from stress. This can be applied to  insomnia, palpitations, neuralgia, phobias, muscular twitching, tremors and epilepsy (4,5). In TCM, it can be seen to treat internal wind conditions arising from deficiency (xu feng), which result in symptoms including tremors, twitching or convulsions (11). 

Its calming and antispasmodic action can be attributed to its flavonoid content, notably baicalin and baicalein, which have been shown to positively modulate GABA-A receptor activity, enhancing inhibitory transmission without the more depressant effect experienced with benzodiazepines (1,13). Symptoms of withdrawal can often be associated with reduced GABAergic tone, and excess glutamatergic activity and, therefore, it can be of good benefit to aid withdrawal from barbiturates, tranquillisers or alcohol (1,13). It can also help to reduce spasms, tremor or convulsions as a result of its antispasmodic activity (3,4). 

Acutely, it can be taken at the onset of a panic or anxiety attack and some people find it useful to carry a small bottle of the tincture with them to dose with if they feel acute anxiety coming on (3). .

Reproductive system

As a nervine relaxant and antispasmodic, it can be used to reduce tension or pain specific to the reproductive system such as with dysmenorrhoea, especially when the pain is worsened by stress or anxiety or results from restlessness or poor sleep (1,4). It can form part of a menstrual cramp prescription with the inclusion of black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) or cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) (1). 

It can be prescribed in a mix of other herbs including peony (Paeonia lactiflora) to help reduce symptoms of endometriosis, including the pain, tension or sleep disturbance often associated with the condition (1). 

Skullcap is a key herbal anxiolytic to support PMS mood symptoms, including anxiety, irritability, anger, despair or panic (4,13). In reducing feelings of stress and nervous system overactivity, skullcap helps to bring the whole body, including the hormonal and reproductive systems into a state of balance, which, in turn helps to minimise the severity of emotional PMS and PMDD symptoms (4,6,13). 

In a blend with hormonal supportive herbs, such as agnus castus (Vitex agnus castus) or black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), skullcap can provide support for menopausal symptoms including low mood, depression and mood swings (4,6). Its cooling nature, also indicates it to reduce hot flushes, especially when combined with herbs like sage (Salvia officinalis), for its cooling and astringent actions (6,13). As a thymoleptic herb, it can be applied to help in cases of postpartum depression (6). 

In TCM, skullcap is seen to ‘calm the shen’ (an shen) and balance Heart shen disturbance as well as Heart yin deficiency accompanied by agitation. These conditions can manifest as PMS with anxiety or agitation and menstrual or menopausal symptoms exacerbated by stress (11). 

Cardiovascular system

Skullcap can be applied to treat cardiac symptoms as an expression of nervous system dysregulation including palpitations, stress related hypertension, fast heart rate or a feeling of being constricted in the chest arising from emotional factors (1,3,11). 

Digestive system

It can be given for digestive problems associated with stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The calming effect extends to reducing gut spasm arising from stress or anxiety and gut-brain dysregulation (1,3,11). 

Efficacy and tolerability of a chemically characterised Scutellaria lateriflora L. extract-based food supplement for sleep management: A single-center, controlled, randomised, crossover, double-blind clinical trial

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a Scutellaria lateriflora extract on sleep and insomnia. The study involved 66 male and female participants aged 18–70 years with diagnosed primary insomnia, who were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 400 mg/day of S. lateriflora extract or placebo for 56 days, followed by a 28-day washout period and crossover to the alternate intervention.

The primary outcome measure was sleep quality assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), with secondary outcomes including sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and subjective sleep assessment using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Supplementation with S. lateriflora resulted in a statistically significant improvement in sleep–wake balance, reflected by improved PSQI scores and favourable changes across all secondary sleep parameters compared with placebo, while no adverse effects were reported. These results suggest skullcap is an effective and safe remedy for improving quality (14).

American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study investigated the effects of Scutellaria lateriflora on mood and anxiety in 43 healthy adult volunteers, exploring its traditional use for stress and anxiety. Participants were randomised to receive 350 mg of S. lateriflora three times daily or placebo, over a two week treatment period, in a crossover sequence. The cohort was deemed non-anxious at baseline, with 81% scoring ≤15 on the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), indicating mild or no anxiety.

The primary anxiety outcome (BAI) showed no significant difference between skullcap and placebo (p = 0.191), although a significant group effect (p=0.049) suggested a carryover effect of skullcap. Secondary outcomes included mood assessment using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), where S. lateriflora produced a highly significant reduction in Total Mood Disturbance from baseline (p<0.001), an effect not observed with placebo (p=0.072).

No reduction in energy or cognitive function was reported. The authors concluded that carryover effects, low baseline anxiety, and baseline group differences (p=0.022) were likely responsible for the reduced ability to detect anxiolytic effects. This calls for further investigation of S. lateriflora in more anxious populations, particularly those with comorbid low mood or depression (15).

Traditional uses, ten-years research progress on phytochemistry and pharmacology, and clinical studies of the genus Scutellaria

A comprehensive systematic review evaluated the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical research of the genus Scutellaria (Lamiaceae), consisting of approximately 360–469 accepted species distributed across Europe, North America, East Asia, and South America, and has a long history of traditional use for respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, hepatic, and gallbladder disorders.

The authors explored published books and peer-reviewed literature sourced from SciFinder, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar, CNKI, ethnobotanical databases, and monographs, focusing on ethnopharmacological uses, phytochemical and pharmacological research, and clinical studies. The review identified over 50 species used in traditional medicine, and reported over 208 chemical constituents — including flavonoids, neo-clerodane diterpenoids, sesterterpenoids, and other terpenoids — have been characterised from 16 species and one variety.

Pharmacological studies demonstrated a broad range of activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects. Importantly, several species — most notably Scutellaria lateriflora, alongside S. baicalensis and S. barbata — and key constituents such as baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin. These reviews go some way to confirming the traditional uses of skullcap (16). 

Skullcap was used by Native American tribes to relieve breast pain, promote menstruation and in child birth to help expel the placenta. It was used within ceremonies for the transition of girls into womanhood and has been used variously for treating stress, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome and diarrhoea (2,3).

In the 18th century skullcap was being used in mainstream American medicine for the treatment of rabies, particularly for the hysteria associated with the disease. This use as a cure for rabies was subsequently discredited, but not before earning it common names such as ‘mad dog weed’. Undoubtedly it would have helped to calm any anxiety and reduce spasm in those with the disease (8,9).

In the 19th century the Physiomedicalists were using skullcap as a nervine for conditions of excitability, phobias, anxiety and seizures (10).

It was considered a specific remedy for the convulsive twitchings of St Vitus’ dance, now known to have been an umbrella term for various types of conditions with movement disorders (10).

Skullcap is a nervous system tonic with some describing it as a nervous system trophorestorative as it helps to support depleted, overstimulated or exhausted nervous systems (1,2,3). It is indicated in long term nervous system stress, overwork, burn out or emotional strain by helping to restore calm and resilience (1,2,3). 

This herb also offers nervine and antispasmodic activity, so can be applied to relax tension in cases where it is being held in the muscles, such as tension headaches, tightened shoulders, neck or lower back, palpitations, menstrual cramps, tremors, muscle spasms and leg cramps or neuralgia (1,2,3). 

It is effective in cases of insomnia, especially when the mind is still active and ruminative thoughts are a constant feature preventing restful sleep, a common occurrence in nervous depletion (4,5). It is indicated for people who often feel ‘tired and wired’ and find it difficult to switch off (4,5). 

It has traditionally been used to support the nervous system with withdrawal from alcohol, sedatives or other stronger drugs as it helps to reduce tremors, agitation and nervous irritability (2,3). 

The supportive and anxiolytic properties indicate skullcap in supporting premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) (6).

The name skullcap comes from ‘small dish’ or ‘small shield’ referring to the helmet like shape of the calyx of the flower that can be seen after flowering (16). 

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15. Brock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I, Towell T. American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): A Randomised, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study of its Effects on Mood in Healthy Volunteers. Phytotherapy Research. 2013;28(5):692-698. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5044 
16. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal | Scullcaps. botanical.com. Published 1931. Accessed September 30, 2022. https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/scullc34.html 
17. The Wildlife Trust. Skullcap | The Wildlife Trusts. www.wildlifetrusts.org. Accessed December 26, 2023. https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/skullcap 
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20. Royal Botanical Gardens Kew. Scutellaria lateriflora L. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science. Plants of the World Online. Accessed December 5, 2023. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:458402-1 
21. Lin LZ, Harnly JM, Upton R. Comparison of the phenolic component profiles of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and germander (Teucrium canadenseandT. chamaedrys), a potentially hepatotoxic adulterant. Phytochemical Analysis. 2009;20(4):298-306. https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.1127 
22. TRC Healthcare. NatMed Pro – Skullcap. Therapeuticresearch.com. Published 2025. Accessed January 23, 2026. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/Data/ProMonographs/Skullcap#drug-interactions 
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24. Maiz-Tome L. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Scutellaria lateriflora. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Published June 2, 2015. Accessed December 12, 2023. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64324897/67730992 
25. Council AB. Nonprofit Consortium Publishes Review of Skullcap Adulteration. Prnewswire.com. Published February 21, 2012. Accessed January 23, 2026. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nonprofit-consortium-publishes-review-of-skullcap-adulteration-139912893.html