STRESS & ANXIETY

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

also known as American skullcap, Mad-dog skullcap

Moderate (traditional + emerging)

A small blue-flowered mint-family plant native to North America, used by Indigenous peoples and 19th-century American herbalists for nervous tension, anxiety, and sleep. Distinct from baikal skullcap (S. baicalensis), the Chinese variety with very different uses. Skullcap is gentle in effect, working through the same calming pathways as several pharmaceutical anti-anxiety medications.

Eases nervous tension and mild anxiety in traditional use, with growing modern evidence
Supports sleep, particularly when racing thoughts are the obstacle
Acts on GABA pathways — the body's main calming system
Eases muscle tension and restlessness
Long traditional use for nervous exhaustion and stress recovery
Generally well tolerated and considered one of the gentler nervous system herbs

Active in Baicalin, Scutellarin, Flavonoids.

Causes drowsiness — do not drive or operate machinery after a dose

Use caution with sedatives, sleep medications, alcohol, and antidepressants

Some commercial skullcap products have been adulterated with germander, a herb associated with liver injury — buy from reputable sources

Stop two weeks before surgery

Skip during pregnancy and nursing — limited safety data

Use caution with diabetes medication — may affect blood sugar

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

You might also explore