Lamiaceae
Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: North America
Also known as: American Skullcap, Blue Skullcap, Mad Dog Skullcap
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Anxiety, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, muscle tension, epilepsy (adjunct), premenstrual tension, withdrawal from benzodiazepines (adjunct), nervous tics. Restorative nervine — rebuilds nervous system rather than just sedating.
Herbal Actions
Nervine tonic, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, mild sedative, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory
Active Constituents
Flavonoids (baicalin, baicalein, scutellarein, wogonin), iridoids, tannins, volatile oils
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 15 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:3, 25% ethanol, fresh plant), 3x daily |
| Notes | Fresh plant tincture far superior — dried herb loses potency rapidly. Baicalin research dose: 100–200mg 3x daily. Combine with valerian for insomnia, with passionflower for anxiety. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in liver disease (some adulterated products caused hepatotoxicity — ensure authentic source). Caution with CNS depressants. Avoid high doses in pregnancy.
Side Effects: Mild GI upset. Drowsiness at high doses. Rare hepatotoxicity (almost always from adulteration with Teucrium species). Confirm authentic botanical source.