Introduction
If you’re tired of sleepless nights, may this little purple flowering botanical, found in your
local forest, or possibly even your back yard, come to your rescue for a great night of restorative
sleep. Skullcap, or Scutellaria laterifflora, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint (Lamiacea)
family and is typically found growing in moist and shady meadows and marshes across the
United States. Square stems, bright purple flowers with tongue-like flower petals, and jagged
edged leaves, growing 3 feet tall are its characteristics for identification among the over 300
species found. However, along with its many species, it also has many common names such as
American skullcap, Escutelaria, Scutellaria, Hoodwort, Mad-Dog Skullcap, Quaker Bonnet, and
Toque des Marais. Although its most known for its anxiolytic and nervine properties in aiding
sleep, and alleviating nervous disorders, its’s also known to help other health issues such as
cancer, cirrhosis, and hepatitis (1). Lack of sleep is a well-known causative factor to the majority
of underlying diseases, contributing to increased stress, decreased cognitive function and
increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular issues, adrenal fatigue, autoimmune
disorders, and many others. Unfortunately, most medications and anxiolytics that are
prescribed have many side effects that are often countered by more medications, leading to a
vicious cycle. Therefore, scutellaria has been studied as a safe and effective alternative. If this is
you and you are wanting more quality sleep or you know someone struggling with sleep, keep
reading!
Traditional Uses & Active Constituents
Skullcap’s name in general comes from the petals of the flower resembling helmets of
the medieval European soldiers. And although it was first discovered in Europe, its uses in
North America were first to see an impact within botanical medicine. Both countries adapted its
medicinal uses from the Native American tribes who consumed skullcap to soothe nerves (2).
Most commonly today, skullcap is also used to alleviate nervousness, irritability and tension
associated with stress and trauma (3). However, it’s also highly used for insomnia, among other
health conditions including anxiety, hypertension, headaches, neuralgia, convulsions, and loose
stools or diarrhea (4). Additionally, research has proven Scutellaria lateriflora has active
constituents with a variety of pharmacological effects including anxiolytic, antioxidant,
antibacterial, antiviral, anti-angiogenesis, and hepatoprotective properties making it a
medicinal herb to have on hand at home for multiple uses. Most of its effects are due to its
large number of concentrated polyphenols and flavonoids, specifically scutellarien and baicalin
(5).
Lets Talk Sleep!
Traditionally for centuries, skullcap has been used for central nervous system
indications, reducing hyperstimulated and hyper aroused states, as well as cognitive imbalance.
These instances include insomnia, anxiety, pain, spasms, and even seizures just to name a few
(6). Recent research in a double-blind placebo-controlled, cross over study of health individuals
revealed that supplementing 100-200mg/kg Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap) in a dosedependent
manner has proven to effectively bind to GABA-α receptors. GABA receptors in
general are considered inhibitory neurotransmitters, opposite of excitatory neurotransmitters
such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. GABA receptors are in the brain and function to
inhibit or block brain signals and nerve transmission, reducing activity and excitability of the
nervous system, and producing a calming effect on the body. Therefore, helping the body cope
with or reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, tension, and fear, that may all present with insomnia
and other sleep disorders, difficulty falling or staying asleep (7). Supplementing with Scutellaria
lateriflora (Skullcap) before bed results in a calming effect, decreasing symptoms of anxiety,
tension, and insomnia, and thereby increasing a more restful and restorative sleep.
Uses
Skullcap can be used in many forms including teas, infusions, tinctures, added to baths,
or warm compresses to help alleviate nervous system disorders. My favorite method out of all
is to make a tea blend 60min before bed, steep for a few minutes, then sip on it while reading a
relaxing book, listening to music, or sit in front of my redlight and stretch to enhancing the
calming effect on the central nervous sytem. Additionally, it may be easier to batch prep in
advance and have a few nights worth pre-made in the fridge to warm up if you’re short on
time.
Check out my favorite sleepy tea blend below:
Sleepy Tea Blend #1:
Add to a 1 quart glass jar, equal parts (2-3 TB) of each the following:
Skullcap
Lemon Balm
Valerian Root
Chamomile
California Poppy
Pour about 1 quart boiled water over the tea, cover, and let steep. Once cooled place in the
refrigerator to steep overnight and extract all active constituents. Strain and Consume 1 cup
prepared tea 30-60min before bed. Store remaining tea in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
(Additionally, you could use 1TB of the above blend per 1 cup boiling water and steep for
making a fresh cup nightly before bed).
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Safety & Considerations: Current research has studied skullcap’s active constituents to have a
sedative or depressant and hypnotic effect, however, there is no research to validate on its
safety. Current research is unknown regarding side effects today with its consumption or any
negative effects with pregnancy, breastfeeding or nursing, and therefore professional medical
guidance should be sought prior to consumption and may not be recommended for this
population due to insufficiency of safety data (8). Thus, more research needs to be done to
define any upper limits as well. Additionally, due to this sedative effect of the bioactive
compounds in skullcap, consumption should be avoided in combination with other sedatives
such as alcohol, or benzodiazepines, and may contribute to side effects of hepatotoxicity,
irregular heartbeat, drowsiness, and decreased cognitive function in predisposed individuals, of
which discontinuation is advised.
Disclaimer: The content of this site is for informational and educational purposes only and is not
a substitute for professional medical advice or consultations with your health care professional.
References:
- Islam, M.N., Downey, F. and Ng, C.K. (2011). Comparative analysis of bioactive
phytochemicals from Scutellaria baicalensis, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria racemosa,
Scutellaria tomentosa and Scutellaria wrightii by LC-DAD-MS. Metabolomics, 7(3): 446- - doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-010-0269-9
- Kapalka, G.M. (2010). Scutellaria lateriflora. Nutritional and Herbal Therapies for
Children and Adolescents. Retrieved on July 23, 2020 from
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/scutellaria-lateriflora - DerMarderosian A, Beutler JA, eds. The Review of Natural Products: The Most Complete
Source of Natural Product Information. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons;
2002. - Foster S, Duke JA. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants: Eastern and Central North America.
Boston; Houghton Mifflin Co: 1990. - Irvin, L., Jackson, C., Hill, A.L., Bajaj, R., Mahmoudi, C., Vaidya, B.N. and Joshee, N.
(2019). Skullcaps (Scutellaria spp.): Ethnobotany and Current Research. In Medicinal
Plants: 141-168. Springer, Cham. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_7 - Lohani, M. (2014). Molecular Mechanisms of Neuroprotection by an Alternative Drug
Scutellaria lateriflora (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved on July 9, 2020 from
https://etd.auburn.edu/bitstream/handle/10415/4273/DissertationMadhukarLohani.pdf;seq
uence=2 - De Sousa, A. (2013). Herbal medicines and anxiety disorders: an overview. Journal of
Medicinal Plant Studies, 1(6). doi:
http://www.plantsjournal.com/archives/2013/vol1issue6/PartA/1.1.pdf - Metzman, H.L. (2006). Monograph of Scutellaria lateriflora. JOURNAL-AMERICAN
HERBALISTS GUILD, 7(1): 4. Retrieved on July 9, 2020 from
https://www.americanherbalistsguild.com/files/journal/V7N1_Scutellaria.pdf