Skullcap

Common Name:

Skullcap

Botanical Name:

Scutellaria lateriflora (American Skullcap)

Short Description:

Skullcap is a calming nervine used to ease anxiety, restlessness, muscle tension, and nervous exhaustion. It is particularly helpful for racing thoughts, overstimulation, and supporting sleep without sedation.

Parts Used:

Aerial parts (leaf and flower)

Actions:

Nervine, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, mild sedative, trophorestorative

Energetics:

Cooling, slightly drying

Body Systems:

Nervous, musculoskeletal, emotional

Spiritual/Energetic Uses:

Encourages peace of mind and emotional containment. Skullcap helps restore inner quiet, balance the nervous system, and ground scattered or frayed energy.

Planetary/Dosha Associations:

Planetary: Saturn
Dosha: Balances Vata and Pitta

Safety Notes:

Very safe. Best taken as a tincture or infusion. Do not confuse with Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), which has different properties. Suitable for long-term use in nervous system tonics.