{"id":4934,"date":"2021-08-23T16:51:13","date_gmt":"2021-08-23T15:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=4934"},"modified":"2025-04-14T11:05:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T10:05:12","slug":"skullcap","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/skullcap\/","title":{"rendered":"Skullcap"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":4939,"parent":0,"menu_order":-209,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"8a2d1d3f-2b1e-4273-ab3e-83904efd68ae","beyondwords_preview_token":"8f5e0c0e-5087-4fcf-a126-598ec789c40d","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[431,430],"conditions":[685,696,702],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[18,31,786],"western_action":[1017,992,994,997,1001,1019],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1499,1498,1382,1490],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-4934","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-scutellaria-lateriflora","tag-skullcap","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-stages-of-life","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-astringent-taste","sense-cooling","western_action-nervine","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-bitter","western_action-sedative","energetics_action-astringent","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-cool","energetics_action-relaxing","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20210823","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"Skullcap works well to calm anxiety and support one during times of stress","latin_name":"Scutellaria lateriflora<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Lamiaceae ","herb_summary":"This graceful herb, native to North America, has a safe and effective role in anxiety and related disorders.","key_benefits":"Anti-anxiety\r\nAnti-spasmodic\r\nNervous system tonic","how_does_it_feel":"The infused tincture has a pleasant fresh, slightly sweet smell with an initially sweet taste and mildly bitter after tones. The dried herb has a gentle aroma redolent of fresh field mushrooms.","hdif_image_1":4941,"hdif_image_2":4939,"hdif_image_3":4940,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/9AM0V2o2R24","sense":[31,18,786],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Skullcap is a nervous system tonic, nervine and has antispasmodic activity. It is a great remedy where there is any nervous tension which can have a knock-on effect on the muscles, therefore it is useful in states of increased muscular tension such as in tension headaches, tightened shoulders, neck or lower back, palpitations,\u00a0 menstrual cramps, tremors, muscle spasms and leg cramps or neuralgia.\r\n\r\nIt can also be used in insomnia to quieten the mind enough to allow sleep to come. On its own it isn\u2019t sedating, however in such situations it combines well with other herbs that do have this quality such as passionflower, wild lettuce or hops.","into_the_heart_of":"\"\"Herbal practitioners are consulted for anxiety and stress-related conditions more widely perhaps than any other presentation.\u00a0 To be able to have to hand this wonderfully nourishing herb for the nervous system within our herbal medicine chest is a very valuable resource indeed.\r\n\r\nAs mentioned, it can be used for addiction and withdrawal symptoms concerning tranquillizers. Given the epidemic of analgesia addiction in the US and increasingly in European countries Skullcap has an important role in supporting the mind and body.\r\n\r\nAyurvedic use of skullcap includes its use in lowering excessive\u00a0Pitta\u00a0<\/em>and for helping reduce heat-driven emotions such as hatred or anger.\r\n\r\nIt soothes the heart and is said to possess sattvic qualities, bringing about a clarity of mind. It is often combined with\u00a0Gotu Kola<\/a>\u00a0for such situations.","tradtional_uses":"\"\"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 to womanhood and has been used variously for treating stress, insomnia, premenstrual syndrome and diarrhoea.\r\n\r\nIn the 18th<\/sup>\u00a0century Skullcap was being used in mainstream American medicine for the treatment of rabies, particularly for the hysteria associated with this awful disease.\u00a0 This use as a \u2018cure\u2019 for rabies was subsequently discredited but not before earning it common names such as\u00a0Mad dog weed<\/em>. Undoubtedly it would have helped to calm any anxiety and reduce spasm in those with the disease.\r\n\r\nIn the 19th century the Physiomedicalists were using Skullcap as a nervine for conditions of excitability, phobias, anxiety and seizures.\r\n\r\nIt was considered a specific remedy for the convulsive twitchings of\u00a0St Vitus\u2019 dance<\/em>\u00a0<\/sup>now known to have been an umbrella term for various types of conditions with movement disorders.","what_practioners_say":"

\"\"<\/strong>Nervous system<\/h3>\r\nIt is a remedy par excellence for relaxing an excitable nervous system. Widely used in Western herbal medicine for anxiety and insomnia, palpitations, neuralgia, phobias, muscular twitching, tremors and in epilepsy.\r\n\r\nIt relaxes at the same time as acting as a tonic for the nervous system. It has good use in debility within a picture of nervous tension. Often prescribed in combination with herbs such as St John\u2019s wort and Oats or adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwagandha or Gotu kola. It can be of good benefit to aid withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquillizers.\r\n\r\nIt can be taken at the onset of a panic 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.\r\n

Gynaecological<\/h3>\r\nUseful in easing any associated nervous tension or emotional lability, skullcap can be put to good use in premenstrual syndrome.\r\n

Cardiovascular system<\/h3>\r\nSkullcap can be of benefit in palpitations or in hypertension (in combination with other herbs).\r\n

Digestive system<\/h3>\r\nIt can be given for digestive problems associated with stress, such as irritable bowel syndrome. The effects of relaxing the higher centres of the nervous system having a knock-on effect on the gut.\r\n

Fatigue<\/h3>\r\nUseful in fibromyalgia or post viral fatigue syndrome in combination with oats and certain adaptogens such as ashwagandha, skullcap can be excellent for situations where one feels \u2018tired and wired\u2019.","research":"\"\"In terms of the medicinal effects of the whole plant, unlike\u00a0Scutellaria baicalensis<\/a>, little has been carried out in the way of robust scientific research on Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora<\/em>), when not in a combination product with other herbs.\r\n\r\nAntioxidant potential studies showed that there are no significant differences between\u00a0S. lateriflora, S. baicalensis<\/em>\u00a0and a third species \u2013\u00a0S. racemosa <\/em>(6).\r\n\r\nA piece of work was done in 2014 looking at clinical applications of certain herbal medicines for anxiety and insomnia concerning patients with bipolar disorder. Skullcap, with the proposed mechanism of action being modulation of GABA receptors, showed some efficacy in meta-analysis of RCT within the psychiatric population for insomnia and marked efficacy in at least one RCT on healthy subjects for anxiety (1,7).\r\n\r\nA small single-dose study was carried out on 19 healthy subjects with skullcap, the effects monitored and evaluated at regular intervals following administration. There was a noticeable decrease in anxiety with no adverse effects on cognition or energy levels (8).\r\n\r\nIn a placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study, 43 healthy, relatively non-anxious participants were randomised to taking 350 mg skullcap three times daily or placebo, each over two weeks. In this population there was no significant difference between skullcap and placebo, however, there was a significant group effect, suggesting a carryover effect of skullcap.\r\n\r\nWith regard to Total Mood Disturbance measured by the Profile of Mood States, there was a significant decrease from pre-test scores with skullcap but not placebo. Skullcap significantly enhanced global mood without a reduction in energy or cognition (9).\r\n\r\nFurther studies assessing the anti-anxiety effects of skullcap in notably anxious participants is required.","did_you_know":"Skullcap and valerian are used in combination by some vets to treat habitual nervousness and anxiety in dogs and cats. This blend can be particularly good for noise phobias such as with thunder or fireworks.","additional_information_right":{"illustration":9023},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"The genus <\/span>Scutellaria<\/span><\/i> in the Lamiaceae (mint) family has approximately 350 species, some of which are medicinally active. A perennial herb native to North America and Canada favouring woods, thickets and damp areas such as riverbanks and marshes.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe name <\/span>Scutellaria<\/span><\/i> comes from the Latin scutella, meaning 'small dish' and refers to the pouch-like appearance of the fruit's calyx. It has slender, toothed leaves and pale blue, or occasionally white or pink flowers produced on one side of the stem.<\/span>\r\n\r\nNot to be confused with Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis<\/em>), which is also used in western herbal medicine and one of the most widely prescribed herbs in Traditional Chinese medicine. Baical skullcap has denser racemes of larger purple\/blue flowers.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is important to ensure you have the correct species. Some skullcap labelled as <\/span>S. lateriflora<\/span><\/i> in garden nurseries can in fact be <\/span>S. altissima<\/span><\/i>, which is a showier plant. <\/span>Scutellaria lateriflora<\/span><\/i> can be adulterated, or substituted with other plants, so take care to ensure you obtain it from a reputable source.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe whole aerial parts are used, best harvested while in flower late in summer.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span>","common_names":"
    \r\n \t
  • Skullcap<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Virginia skullcap<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Mad-dog skullcap<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Mad-dog weed<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Quaker bonnet<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Blue pimpernel<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Hood-wort<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","safety":"Authentic American Skullcap is generally considered to be a very safe remedy when given within the therapeutic dosage range.\r\n\r\nLimited studies on its use in pregnancy have shown no developmental or other harmful effects. It has a long history of use in women during pregnancy and lactation.\r\n\r\nOver-dosage is said to cause confusion, stupor, and sometimes involuntary muscle spasms and twitches similar to epilepsy, however the authenticity of the herb ingested cannot be always verified in reported cases.\r\n\r\nAdulteration or substitution can happen with any herb and Skullcap appears to have a bit of a reputation for this. Adulteration or substitution has occurred using other species of skullcap, or other herbs from the mint family and notably with hepatotoxic plants such as those of the Teucrium species. The 22nd<\/sup>\u00a0edition of the US Dispensary (1937) described Scutellaria lateriflora as one of the most substituted and adulterated herbs in the Materia Medica. This problem was more prevalent in times gone by, however, it remains paramount to source from reputable stockists.","interactions":"","contraindications":"","preparation":"","dosage":"3-6 g per day of the dried aerial parts\r\n\r\n2-4.5 mL per day of a 1:2 liquid extract or equivalent capsule or tablet form","constituents":"
      \r\n \t
    • Flavonoids: <\/b>predominantly baicalein and its glycoside baicalin, wogonin, scutellarein, scutellarin, lateriflorein. In addition -<\/span> apigenin, hispidulin and luteolin (1,2,3,4)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
    • Iridoid glycoside<\/b>:<\/span> catapol (1,2,4)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
    • Volatile oils<\/b>: limonene, humulene, terpinol (1,2,3)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
    • Tannins<\/b> (1,2,3)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
    • Serotonin and melatonin<\/b> (1,5)<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","plant_part_used":""},"habitat":"","sustainability":"","sustainability_content":"","sustainability_alternatives":"","quality_control":"","how_to_grow":"","recipe":"Calming tea blend<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThe following recipe gives quantities to make up a large jar of calming tea blend to store in your cupboard, ready for use.\r\n\r\nIngredients:<\/em>\r\n
        \r\n \t
      • 20 g skullcap<\/li>\r\n \t
      • 20 g passionflower<\/li>\r\n \t
      • 25 g limeflower<\/li>\r\n \t
      • 10 g valerian root<\/li>\r\n \t
      • 25 g German chamomile<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMethod:<\/em>\r\n
          \r\n \t
        • Combine all ingredients and mix well.<\/li>\r\n \t
        • Store in a sealed jar, or other airtight container.<\/li>\r\n \t
        • For a cup of calming tea, take two heaped teaspoonfuls of blend to a cupful of boiling water.<\/li>\r\n \t
        • Cover, let infuse for 8\u201310 minutes and then strain.<\/li>\r\n \t
        • You can add a small amount of honey if desired, then sit, sip and enjoy!<\/li>\r\n \t
        • Drink up to three cups daily.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","references":"
            \r\n \t
          1. https:\/\/www.scu.edu.au\/southern-cross-plant-science\/facilities\/medicinal-plant-\u00a0 garden\/monographs\/scutellaria-lateriflora\/<\/span>. (Accessed June 2021)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          2. Wohlmuth H. (2001). Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): the herb with an identity crisis. Botanical Pathways; 13:115-119.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          3. Chevallier A. (2000). Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine.2nd edition. London: DK Natural <\/span> Health<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          4. van Wyk BE, Wink M. (2004) .Medicinal Plants of the World. Oregon: Timber Press<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          5. Grieve M (1931) A Modern Herbal.<\/span> Tiger press<\/span><\/i>. Ed 1992. ISBN 1-83-5501-249-9<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          6. Cole, B et al. (2008) Comparisons of Scutellaria baicalensis, Scutellaria lateriflora and Scutellaria r<\/span> acemosa: genome size, antioxidant potential and phytochemistry. Planta Med 74(4): 474-81<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          7. Baek, Ji et al. (2014) Clinical applications of herbal medicines for anxiety and insomnia; targeting <\/span> patients with bipolar disorder.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          8. Wolfson P, Hoffmann DL.(2003). An investigation into the efficacy of\u00a0<\/span>Scutellaria lateriflora\u00a0<\/span><\/i>in healthy volunteers.\u00a0Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2:74-78<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          9. Brock, C, Whitehouse, J et al (2014) American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers. Phytotherapy Research. 28 (5): 692-8<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          10. Osol A et al. (1947) The dispensatory of the United States of America ed 24, Philadelphia. Lippincott p 1580<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          11. Frawley D, Lad V. (1994). The Yoga of Herbs. Lotus Light Publications. ISBN: 81-208-1172-0<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>","related_condition":[6298,6956],"related_herb":[4300,1873],"related_article":[5736,5976],"herb_overview_content_one":"","herb_overview_content_two":"","herb_overview_content_three":"","herb_overview_content_four":"","herb_overview_content_five":"","herb_overview_content_six":"","herb_overview_content_seven":"","herb_overview_content_eight":"","botany":"","botanical_description":"","botanical_image":null,"common_names":"Ingwer (Ger), gingembre (Fr), zenzero (Ital), jenjibre (Sp), adrakh, sont (Hindi), vishwabhesaja (Sanskrit), jiang (Chin). ","herbal_preperation_image":null,"preparation":"","plant_part_used":"","dosage":"","constituents":"","recipe_image":null,"safety_post":null,"safety":"","interactions":"","contraindications":"","sustainability_image_one":null,"sustainability_image_two":null,"faqs":null,"not_suitable_for":[]},"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/21124957\/Skullcap-2.jpg",1800,1200,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/21124957\/Skullcap-2-600x600.jpg",600,600,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/21124957\/Skullcap-2-1000x667.jpg",1000,667,true],"large":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/21124957\/Skullcap-2-1300x867.jpg",580,387,true],"banner_image":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/21124957\/Skullcap-2-1600x800.jpg",1600,800,true],"gform-image-choice-sm":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/21124957\/Skullcap-2.jpg",300,200,false],"gform-image-choice-md":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/21124957\/Skullcap-2.jpg",400,267,false],"gform-image-choice-lg":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/21124957\/Skullcap-2.jpg",600,400,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"","category_list_v2":"","author_info_v2":{"name":"","url":""},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/herb\/4934","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/herb"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/herb"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/herb\/4934\/revisions"}],"acf:post":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5976"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5736"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/herb\/1873"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/herb\/4300"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/condition\/6956"},{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/condition\/6298"}],"acf:term":[{"embeddable":true,"taxonomy":"sense","href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sense\/786"},{"embeddable":true,"taxonomy":"sense","href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sense\/18"},{"embeddable":true,"taxonomy":"sense","href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sense\/31"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4939"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4934"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4934"},{"taxonomy":"conditions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/conditions?post=4934"},{"taxonomy":"sustainability","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sustainability?post=4934"},{"taxonomy":"sense","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/sense?post=4934"},{"taxonomy":"western_action","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/western_action?post=4934"},{"taxonomy":"chinese_action","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chinese_action?post=4934"},{"taxonomy":"ayurvedic_action","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ayurvedic_action?post=4934"},{"taxonomy":"energetics_action","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/energetics_action?post=4934"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=4934"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}