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Skullcap

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Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora herb illustration

Photo: Rolf Engstrand · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

Family: Labiatae  |  Parts Used: Flowers and leaves

Skullcap is a gentle nervine tonic with a long record in Native American and Western herbalism. Bitter and cooling in nature, it works on the nervous system and musculoskeletal system to ease tension, calm muscle spasms, and support restful sleep. Its primary active compound, scutellarin, contributes to its sedative and antispasmodic effects. Historically it was used to address rabies, earning the common names Mad-dog Skullcap and Madweed.

Nervous Musculoskeletal Native American Western

Traditional Uses

  • Nervousness and anxiety relief
  • Insomnia support
  • Nervous tension relief
  • Depression support
  • Alcohol and drug withdrawal support
  • Muscle cramps and spasm relief
  • Emotional resilience during high-stress periods

Properties

Key Constituents

Preparations & Dosage

  • Infusion: 1 teaspoon dried herb in 1 cup boiling water. Take up to 3 cups daily.
  • Tincture: 15-20 drops, taken up to 3 times daily. Particularly noted for withdrawal support.

TCM Profile: Bitter, cool.

Cautions

  • Very large doses may cause dizziness, erratic pulse, and mental confusion.
Historical Note: Skullcap was historically used to address rabies, earning the folk names "Mad-dog Skullcap" and "Madweed." It is a perennial in the mint family, growing to 3 feet tall with blue flowers appearing July through September.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Native to the northern hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, Canada, and the Americas. Perennial preferring moist woodland areas, growing well in US zones 4-8. Reaches about 3 feet tall with blue flowers in July through September. Prefers partial shade to full sun and moist, well-draining soil.

Related Articles

Sources & Research

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra

Herbs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, Kathi Keville, p. 177

Homegrown Herbs, Tammi Hartung, p. 226

Published Research:

Efficacy and Tolerability of a Chemically Characterized Scutellaria lateriflora L. Extract-Based Food Supplement for Anxiety | Nutrients (2025)

A Medicinal Herb Scutellaria lateriflora Inhibits PrP Replication in vitro and Delays the Onset of Prion Disease in Mice | Frontiers in psychiatry (2012)

Anti-oxidative and DNA protecting effects of flavonoids-rich Scutellaria lateriflora | Natural product communications (2013)

Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties | Phytomedicine (2003)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.

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