Skullcap
Scientific Name: Scutellaria lateriflora
Introduction: Skullcap is a revered calming herb that supports the nervous system in a highly stimulating noisy world. It brings peace and restoration to those who are deeply sensitive, anxious, easily triggered, sleep deprived or experiencing nervous exhaustion. It relaxes without being overly sedating and is gentle. It’s also safe for both pregnant people and children.
Skullcap is an herbaceous perennial. It being a mint family member, it bears the classic square stem, opposite leaves and the classic two-lipped flowers. It’s typically 1-2 feet in height. Its leaf pattern is coarse with distinct venation. It prefers a moist shady climate, where it will thrive.
Herbal Actions: Nervine tonic, anxiolytic, sedative, anodyne and antispasmodic
Energetics: Cooling and drying
Medicinal Uses: Skullcap is one of the most widely applicable and effective nervines to relax and calm the nervous system. It is also considered a trophorestorative (meaning its a nutritive restorative, capable of renewing health, strength, and function). It is an exceptional ally for anxiety in all its guises and brings relief without being overly sedating. Despite its use as a hypnotic, it doesn’t promote daytime sleepiness for most people. Equal parts powerful and mild, skullcap is safe for children, elders, pregnant people, and breastfeeding parents.
Skullcap’s deeply soothing and calming nervine powers can help soften the sharp edges of heartache, heartbreak, grief, shock and trauma. Likewise, it is a balm for those experiencing postpartum depression, disturbed sleep and insomnia and anxiety in pregnancy. Its relaxing effects can lower blood pressure during labor– a dose can be taken every two hours and combined with hops, valerian or passionflower.
For deep refreshing sleep, skullcap is one of our best and most favored hypnotic allies. Stronger than lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and chamomile (Matricaria recutita), it is on par with hops (Humulus lupulus), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and passionflower (passifloria incarnita) and is often used in combination with these herbs. A strong infusion is generally more sedating than the tincture; but both are available in the shop! The “Lights Out” sleepy tincture blend is here! The “Lights Out” tea blend is here!
While skullcap is helpful for all kinds of anxiety and nervousness, it’s particularly suited to those who are easily given to overanxious states- imagine folks who are highly sensitive to sensory stimuli or easily get over stimulated (crowds, loud music, gusting winds, gatherings), those who are always scribbling away at an impossibly long to-do list, or those who lean toward agitated Vata/Pitta constitutions.
Skullcap can be taken acutely or tonically for general anxiety with tulsi (Ocimum teuiflorum) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera); for panic attacks with motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) and for nerves that are constantly on edge with milky oats (Avena sativa). It can also be added to any formula where a relaxing soothing herb is needed for the nervous system.
How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then to rest afterward.
-Spanish Proverb
A gentle anodyne (pain reliever), antispasmodic, and smooth and skeletal muscle relaxant, skullcap is helpful for pain related to muscle tension and nerve inflammation. It is especially indicated for those who experience anxiety-related tremors, spasms, and tics. It can be used to great benefit for sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, shingles, nervous headaches, and menstrual cramps. Herbalist David Winston recommends skullcap for an even wider range of conditions including restless leg syndrome, bruxism (teeth grinding), mild Tourette’s syndrome, tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the muscles and tongue), petit mal seizures, neck and back pain, and panic disorders. For spasms and spasmodic pain, skullcap is better as a preventive than as an acute remedy; it should be given tonically between episodes. An infused massage oil is also a nice touch. I have formulated a muscle/joint pain relieving balm with infused skullcap in it and you can find that in the shop here. Its also got a rubefacient in it that enhances blood flow to the inflamed area.
Skullcap is a sattvic herb in Ayurvedic medicine and is said to foster peace, awareness, clarity, and equanimity. It cools and calms the fiery emotions of anger and jealousy.
Skullcap is featured in the shop here: Lights Out Tea, Lights Out Tincture, Muscle/Joint Pain Relief Balm, Stress Away
A list of pubmed studies including the benefits of Skullcap listed here
Hope you learned something about Skullcap and will invite it in your own garden!