Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Snapshot
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a nervine herb traditionally used to support relaxation, mild anxiety relief, and sleep quality through its flavonoid content.
What is Skullcap?
Skullcap is the aerial parts (leaves and flowering tops) of Scutellaria lateriflora, containing flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin that modulate GABA receptors and exhibit antioxidant activity.
Where It Comes From
Native to North America and parts of Europe, skullcap is harvested at flowering, shade-dried or low-heat dehydrated, then milled into powder or extracted with alcohol/water to produce tinctures and capsules.
Key Nutrients & Compounds
Provides key flavonoids—baicalin, baicalein, wogonin—and phenolic acids that support GABAergic activity, reduce oxidative stress, and promote calm without significant sedation.
Health Benefits
Skullcap supports nervous system balance by enhancing GABA signaling; alleviates mild anxiety and nervous tension; promotes sleep onset and quality; and offers neuroprotective antioxidant effects.
Recommended Dosage
Dried herb powder: 300–500 mg, 2–3 times daily; standardized extract (4–6% baicalin): 200–400 mg, 1–2 times daily; tincture (1:5): 1–2 mL, 2–3 times per day.
How to Use It
Take capsules or powder with water, or sip skullcap tea made by steeping 1 tsp dried herb in hot water for 10 minutes; use tincture diluted in water or juice between meals for best absorption.
Who Should Use It?
Individuals experiencing mild anxiety, restlessness, or occasional sleeplessness; those seeking gentle, non-habit-forming nervine support.
Possible Interactions or Cautions
May potentiate sedatives or CNS depressants; avoid concurrent use with benzodiazepines; rare allergic reactions in mint family–sensitive individuals; discontinue if excessive drowsiness occurs.
Final Thoughts
Skullcap is a well-established nervine botanical offering calming, anxiolytic, and sleep-supportive benefits, making it a valuable addition to stress-management and relaxation protocols.
Scientific Studies
Sarris J, et al. Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety, and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2011;21(12):841–860. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.06.002
Butterweck V, et al. Evaluation of anxiolytic effects of Scutellaria lateriflora extracts in animal models. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(3):302–310. https://doi.org/10.1078/0944-7113-00108
Bogdanov M, et al. Antioxidant activity and flavonoid content of skullcap extracts. Food Chem. 2012;132(4):2165–2170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2011.12.044