Scutellaria Lateriflora

When used properly, Scutellaria lateriflora, or blue skullcap, can help with anxiety and stress due to the flavonoids and its calming effects on the nervous system. It can also act as a mild sedative to potentially help alleviate feelings of anxiety. Scutellaria lateriflora can also help with insomnia and sleep disorders and help promote relaxation to improve sleep. Lastly, skullcap can also be used to support the nervous system, specifically to help with nervous tension, restlessness, and irritability and provide a sense of tranquility.

Scutellaria lateriflora is typically used in herbal medicine and can be consumed in herbal tea. It is also often available in a tincture form (alcohol extract) and can be taken in small doses. Other uses include topical applications for skin related issues, and combination formulas to help with relaxation and sleep. 

Like many medicinal herbs, skullcap has a long history of use in Native American and Western herbal medicine. Native Americans specifically used it to treat menstrual disorders, nervousness, digestive, and kidney problems. When European settlers in North America learned about the Native American uses of skullcap, they adopted it into their own herbal traditions. Interestingly enough, the term “skullcap” was coined due to the flower’s resemblance to the helmets worn by European soldiers.