Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a loose leaf herbal tea from the dried aerial parts of American skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora. It is lab-tested, non-GMO and vegan, with no fillers, a gentle evening cup. Offered in 1oz, 2oz and 3oz sizes.

At a glance

• Loose leaf tea from dried aerial parts of American skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora
• Lab-tested, non-GMO and vegan, no fillers
• Carries flavonoids: baicalin, baicalein, scutellarin and wogonin
• First cup: 1 teaspoon, about 1 g, per 8 oz of below-boiling water, 5 to 10 minutes
• Offered in 1oz, 2oz and 3oz sizes

The herb. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a slender perennial of the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to North American wet meadows. Native American peoples and later Eclectic herbalists valued the calming leaf, which carries the flavonoids baicalin, baicalein, scutellarin and wogonin, with volatile oils and tannins.

What's in it. Pure dried skullcap leaf, stem and flower. Lab testing matters here because the plant has been adulterated with germander, a look-alike linked to liver problems; testing confirms true Scutellaria lateriflora. A good batch is green rather than brown.

How to use. Begin low: 1 teaspoon, about 1 g, in 8 oz of hot water below boiling, steeped 5 to 10 minutes, then strained. Once you know your response, the standard cup is 1 to 2 tsp in 8 to 10 oz of water below boiling for 5 to 10 minutes. Best in the evening or quiet times of day.

What to expect. Users describe skullcap as quietly calming and clear, a mellow cup without heaviness. It combines with our Lemon Balm Leaf or Organic Passion Flower.

Safety. Larger amounts can bring drowsiness, light-headedness or mild stomach upset, and very strong preparations have been linked to confusion or twitching in older reports. Reduce or stop if these appear.

• Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medication
• May add to alcohol, sedatives and other calming herbs, so do not combine them or drive until you know your response
• Consult a professional with any liver condition; keep out of reach of children

Ingredients and storage. Dried skullcap aerial parts (Scutellaria lateriflora). Store airtight away from heat, light and moisture.

Common questions

• How much skullcap tea should a first-timer make? Start with 1 teaspoon, about 1 g, in 8 oz of hot water below boiling for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Is American skullcap tea the same as Chinese skullcap? No, this is the leaf of Scutellaria lateriflora, a different species from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Skullcap is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.