Scutellaria lateriflora
Skullcap
Lamiaceae
At a Glance
- Common name
- Skullcap
- Scientific name
- Scutellaria lateriflora
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Region
- North America
- Plant part
- Aerial parts, Leaves, Flowering tops
- Caffeine
- Caffeine Free
- Evidence
- Insufficient
- Safety review
- Safety information on file
Safety & Cautions
Safety information on fileBotanical Description
A slender branching square-stemmed perennial 30-80 cm tall with opposite lance-shaped toothed leaves and loose one-sided racemes of small two-lipped blue-violet flowers whose upper lip forms a hooded 'helmet' (scutella).
Also known as: American Skullcap, Mad Dog Skullcap, Hoodwort
Historical Background
Skullcap has been a cherished nervine of North American Eclectic and Indigenous herbal traditions, used to calm tension, restlessness, and troubled sleep. The 'scutellum' helmet shape of the flower inspired the genus name and its long association with easing the mind.
Earliest recorded uses: Native American (Eclectic) and early American herbal traditions as a nervine tonic.
Traditional preparations:
- Aerial-part infusion
- Nervine tonic blend
- Tincture (off-tea)
Traditional Uses
These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.
Native American Traditions
Calming nervine for nervous tension, restlessness, and sleep.
Modern Herbalism
Nervine relaxant for stress and mild anxiety.
Flavor & Aroma
Aroma: Mild, green, slightly bitter, earthy
Tea Preparation
Modern Evidence
Skullcap has a strong folk tradition as a calming nervine for tension and sleep. Clinical evidence is insufficient; no robust trials confirm specific effects, and historical liver-injury reports were largely from adulteration. It is not a treatment for anxiety or insomnia.
Evidence levels describe the state of research for the traditional use discussed here, not a recommendation. Historical use does not imply effectiveness.
Related Herbs
Entry last updated August 4, 2026