Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
美黄芩
Pinyin: Měi Huáng Qín
Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Part Used
Aerial parts
Origin
Eastern North America
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Skullcap is a perennial herb in the mint family with small blue flowers shaped like helmets or skulls. It is one of the most effective nervine herbs in Western herbalism, used for anxiety, nervous tension, and insomnia. Skullcap is valued for its ability to calm the nervous system without causing drowsiness or intoxication.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
bitter
Meridians (归经)
nervous system, heart
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Nervousness and anxiety
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Nervous exhaustion and stress
- Muscle tension and spasms
- Headache (tension type)
- Epilepsy and seizures (historical)
- Withdrawal from sedatives and drugs
- Chorea and other movement disorders (historical)
- High blood pressure (nervous type)
- Pain relief (nervous pain)
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as tea, tincture, capsules, and tablets. Very bitter taste - tincture or capsules are preferred over tea. Often combined with other calming herbs like valerian, passionflower, and lemon balm.
Suggested Dosage
Tea: 1-2 tsp dried herb steeped 10-15 min, 2-3 times daily. Tincture: 2-5ml 2-4 times daily (or 1ml every 30 min for acute anxiety). Capsules: 500-2000mg daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Summer, when plants are in flower. Aerial parts are harvested and dried.
Quality Indicators
Green herb with blue flowers, bitter taste. Should be Scutellaria lateriflora (American). Use reputable brands to avoid adulteration with germander. Standardized extracts list baicalin or flavonoid content.
Storage
Airtight container, cool dark place, 1-2 years. Protect from light.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy and breastfeedingLiver disease (high doses, prolonged use - rare reports of hepatitis)Children (insufficient data)Surgery (discontinue 2 weeks before)Driving or operating heavy machinery (may cause drowsiness in some people)Important: Use only Scutellaria lateriflora (American skullcap). Other species (like S. baicalensis / Huang Qin) have different uses and safety profiles.
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe when used appropriately (short to medium term)
- Drowsiness or sedation (in some people)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
- Allergic reaction (rare)
- Rare: liver toxicity (with high doses or long-term use - usually from contaminated products)
- Important: There have been reports of liver toxicity from skullcap products, but these were often adulterated with germander (Teucrium). Use reputable brands.
Drug Interactions
- Sedatives and CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates)
- Antidepressants (SSRIs, MAOIs)
- Anticonvulsants
- Blood pressure medications (may lower BP)
- Hepatotoxic medications
- Anesthesia
- Moderate interaction potential with sedatives
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
Related Herbs
Valerian Root
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian is a tall perennial herb with pink or white flowers and a strong-smelling root. It is one of the most well-studied herbal sleep aids. Valerian root has been used for centuries in European and Asian medicine as a sedative and calmative. The strong, earthy odor is characteristic.
German Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
Chamomile is an annual plant with daisy-like white flowers and a sweet, apple-like scent. It is one of the most widely consumed herbal teas in the world and one of the oldest documented medicinal plants. Both German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) are used medicinally, with German being more common.
Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
Passionflower is a climbing vine with beautiful, intricate purple-white flowers. It was used by Native Americans for various ailments and is now a popular herbal remedy for anxiety and insomnia. The name "passionflower" was given by Spanish missionaries who saw the flower parts as symbols of the Passion of Christ.
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family with heart-shaped leaves that smell strongly of lemon when crushed. It has been used for over 2,000 years as a calming herb. The botanical name Melissa comes from the Greek word for "bee," as bees are very attracted to its flowers.