Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora Family: Lamiaceae

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Photo © Steven Foster

Introduction

Skullcap is a perennial in the mint family that grows to 3 feet and is native to the eastern United States.¹  It can be found throughout North America and its blue flowers appear from July through September.^1,2  The aboveground parts of the plant are used.¹  

History and Cultural Significance

Traditionally, the leaves of this herb were steeped to produce a tea or tonic.¹  Utilized by the Cherokee and other tribes of North America to promote menstruation, skullcap was employed in the ceremonial transition of young girls to womanhood.^1,2  Native Americans also used skullcap for treating diarrhea and breast pains, and to keep the throat clean.³  Skullcap became a popular treatment in the 1700s for hydrophobia or rabies, resulting in one of its common names, mad-dog weed.^1,2,4  In folk medicine, skullcap was used as a sedative. Skullcap tea was also used for a variety of other conditions including anxiety.⁵  

Modern Research

Recent research has demonstrated that skullcap may be effective at reducing anxiety in a study population of healthy volunteers.⁶  

There are currently no clinical studies on the external use of skullcap. Recent animal studies indicate that skullcap may have anti-inflammatory properties, but human clinical studies would be needed to confirm this.¹  

Future Outlook

Skullcap grows naturally in the wild and mass, systematic cultivation efforts have not been fully developed.²  Other than reports of the susceptibility of skullcap to two virus pathogens, tomato spotted wilt virus and another necrotic spot virus, major problems with diseases or insects have not been reported.²  Ever-present threats to natural growth areas include growth and development. However, it is unclear what impact this population pressure may have on the production of skullcap.