What is skullcap used for?

Skullcap, usually American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), is traditionally used as a calming herb for nervous tension, anxiety and restless nights. Native Americans and Western herbalists have long used it this way. Modern evidence is limited: one recent trial of 66 adults with mild to moderate insomnia found a skullcap extract improved sleep scores compared with placebo, but more research is needed.

In that crossover trial, people took 400 mg a day of an extract standardized to 10% baicalin for 56 days. Their Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score fell from 13.0 to 9.5 on the extract, while it rose to 13.3 on placebo, and no participant reported side effects. That is encouraging, but it is a single study of one specific product, so it cannot tell us how teas or blends behave.

Skullcap is usually taken as a tea or tincture. Because safety research is limited, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication (especially sedatives) or have a medical condition. Check that the label names Scutellaria lateriflora, since Chinese skullcap is a different plant.

Source: PubMed Central (NIH) - Efficacy and Tolerability of a Chemically Characterized Scutellaria lateriflora L. Extract-Based Food Supplement for Sleep Management

Read more on noddienight.com

• Skullcap and Blue Vervain for Sleep, Explained

Related questions

• What is blue vervain and how is it traditionally used?
• What is the difference between Chinese skullcap and American skullcap?
• Which herbs are traditionally used for sleep?
• Can you take valerian and chamomile together?
• Are herbal sleep aids safe to take every night?
• Can herbal sleep supplements interact with medications?

All bedtime herbs explained questions · All 100 questions

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Noddie Night is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This page is general information, not medical advice.