Skullcap for Sleep, Anxiety, and Headaches

Despite its foreboding name, skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a native North American medicinal plant that has been utilized for many centuries by Native Americans, then adopted by settling Europeans. As an effective sedative, skullcap is mixed into nighttime teas to calm a restless mind, freshly infused for anxiety relief, taken as a tincture for tension headaches, and ingested as capsules for nervous exhaustion.^[1] Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, pg. 135 Discover the many benefits of skullcap.

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Properties of Skullcap

The following properties apply to skullcap as an herbal remedy for various ailments. Listed as well are complimentary herbs for each effect, as more often than not, multiple herbs with the same effect are combined for greater result and reception. Research and discuss with your physician which herbs work best for you and if any may cause a reaction with whatever supplements or medications you are already taking.

Antipyretic. Skullcap is a cooling herb that reduces and prevents fevers by lowering body temperature and neutralizing harmful acids in the blood. Other antipyretics include alfalfa, boneset, basil, gota kota, chickweed, and seaweeds.^[2]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 33

Analgesic. Skullcap relieves pain without loss of consciousness. It also reduces toothaches and menstrual or muscle cramps. Other analgesics include other herbs such as lobelia, catnip, chamomile, wild yam, and valerian.^[3]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 32

Antispasmodic. Skullcap calms muscles and relaxes spasms, which promotes healing, as body relaxation allows for natural restoration to effectively take place. This is especially useful in relieving muscular tension. Other notable antispasmodics include lobelia, valerian, dong quai, black/blue cohosh, kava kava, raspberry leaf, and rue.^[4]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 34

Nervine. Skullcap balances the energy of the nervous system. This is also called a ‘nerve tonic.’ Tranquilization therapy via skullcap can be used alongside stimulants to buffer the stimulating effects.^[5]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 12 Other nervines include catnip, wood betony, lady’s slipper, valerian, and lobelia, and can be used with astringents like yellow dock or bayberry bark.^[6]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 22

Biochemical Properties

Skullcap is a bitter and cool herb with volatile oil, scutellarin, bitter glycoside, tannin, fat, bitter principles, and sugar.^[7]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 194 Key constituents also include flavonoids of scutellarin and bitter iridoids of catalpol.^[8]Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, pg. 135. Generally, skullcap is not known to have any risks or warnings associated with it.^[9]Thomas Easley and Steven Horne. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, pg. 301

Skullcap Remedies

When harvesting skullcap, you can use all of the aerial parts (which rise above the ground). This includes stems, leaves, and flowers. These parts are best harvested soon after the plant blooms and can be separated and dried or used fresh. When tinctured fresh, skullcap relieves tension headaches; when dried and used in teas, infusions, and tinctures, skullcap has more of a sedative effect.^[10]Thomas Easley and Steven Horne. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, pg. 301

Taste

Skullcap has a bitter and lightly astringent taste, which can be greatly improved upon by the addition of chamomile (another tranquillizing herb).

Infusion

An infusion of skullcap can be made by pouring boiling water onto dried or fresh flowers and leaves. It is recommended that a standard infusion contain only 3-9 grams of skullcap per 4-8 ounces of water. Let the mixture sit for 2-4 hours, then strain out the plant parts. This infusion can be taken after the time required or preserved in the refrigerator for a few days at most.

Tincture

A skullcap tincture can be made using fresh leaves and flowers. When prepared correctly, a skullcap tincture can safely be stored for years. Prepare the fresh aerial parts in 95% alcohol, one part plant to two parts alcohol. If only dried herbs are available, prepare one part plants to five parts 60% alcohol.

Allow the tincture to sit for six weeks. For the first week, open and stir your tincture every day (with clean wooden utensils). Lightly turn the jar to help it mix up every few days until the time has come to decant it. Strain out the plant parts and store it in a cool dark place.

Combine the following tinctures for stress-induced tension or panic alleviation, 1 mL every 10 minutes for anxiety and 1-3 mL 3 times per day to promote sleep:^[11]Thomas Easley and Steven Horne. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, pg. 160

• 4 parts skullcap (key component)
• 2 parts blue vervain (supporting component)
• 2 parts motherwort (supporting component)
• 1 part pulsatilla (catalyst)

Additionally, combine these tinctures to relieve stress and depression from stress, 1-4 mL three times per day:^[12]Thomas Easley and Steven Horne. The Modern Herbal Dispensatory, pg. 155

• 4 parts mimosa bark (key component)
• 2 parts skullcap (key component)
• 1 part holy basil/tulsi (supporting component)
• 1 part hawthorn leaves/flowers (balancing component)
• 1 part rose petals (balancing component)

Tea

For tea to ease sleeplessness, steep 2 teaspoon of skullcap in up to 8 ounces three times daily. Additional herbs may be combined, such as equal parts skullcap, hops, and valerian root tea a half hour before bed.^[13]Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. The Way of Herbs, pg. 194

One of my favorite blends of sleepytime tea that involves skullcap has a very herbal taste but never fails to ease me into rest. Take 1-2 tablespoons of the following mixture in water between 180 and 212 degrees Fahrenheit. This combination below will make about 3 servings.

• 4 tsp chamomile
• 1 tsp nettle
• 1 tsp holy basil/tulsi
• 1 tsp lemonbalm
• 1 tsp skullcap
• 1 tsp oat straw