Scutellaria lateriflora (Labiatae) or other closely related Scutellaria sp.
Native to North America, Skullcap grows wild in much of the United States and Canada. It grows in damp sunny areas such as
river banks and
marshy lands. Skullcap is a small herb consisting of small spiked leaves and a 3-5 inch stalk with many pink to lavender or purple flowers. The flowers, loosely resembling
snapdragon flowers, have a slightly skullish shape. The name of the herb stems from this likeness.
Skullcap has been traditionally used as a
nerve tonic and
sedative. Its sedative action was once used to treat disorders such as
epilepsy,
hysteria,
rabies, and
mental illnesses.
Today, Skullcap is used mainly to treat
insomnia,
stress related
tension or
headaches, and
anxiety. Many
herbal remedies for insomnia contain this herb in addition to others such as
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), and
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis).
Little research has been done on this herb, although its actions have valid applications. The actual
chemicals that give this herb its
medical action are unknown. A related species S. baicalensis has been well researched and is known to be highly anti-
inflammatory due mostly to its high
flavonoid content (baicalin and wogoniside).