Top #1 Benefit of Skullcap Herb

Scutellaria lateriflora typically grows well in moist conditions like meadows, swampy woodlands and other wetlands.

Some of the main flavonoids in American skullcap are extracted from the leaves and stems using hot water or an alcohol menstruum.

We will discuss how to make a skullcap tincture more below, but first, let's dive into the #1 top benefit of skullcap and reasons to include this botanical ally in your home apothecary.

The leaves and stems of skullcap, sometimes spelled 'scullcap', are traditionally known for their powerful attributes as a NERVINE herb. This is a group of herbs with effects that may range from mildly calming to strongly sedating.

Herbal nervines work to support, nourish and "tone" the nervous system, helping to restore its functions in a gentle nutritive-based way.

This leads us to our #1 benefit of skullcap: For sleeplessness. Tinctures have been very popular among herbalists throughout the ages for improving sleep quality and addressing insomnia.

Skullcap is in the category of "strongly sedating" at higher doses and mildly tranquilizing at normal to lower dose amounts.

Different from conventional sedatives, herbal nervines such as skullcap are not addictive or come with major adverse side effects.

Ultimately, skullcap will help you to put a "Cap on Your Skull", assisting to pacify anxious thoughts and lessen nervous states that can prevent one from falling asleep or achieving deep sleep states throughout the night.

Many constituents in the herb are found to have anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) properties including baicalin, baicalein, wogonin and scutellarin.

Some, like baicalin, are shown to have direct interactions with increasing GABA activity. GABA, the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, is known for its relaxing influence on the central nervous system.

Skullcap can become part of a therapeutic sleep protocol which may also involve tending to diet, lifestyle habits and/or emotional well-being.

In 2025 research, Scutellaria lateriflora was identified to be a "safe and effective strategy" for restoring normal sleep patterns in those with primary (acute) insomnia.

Like the peaceful meadows in which it grows, skullcap imparts a wave of calm over tea drinkers and tincture consumers.

Along the same lines, dried skullcap is often included in ceremonial smoking blends with other herbs and sometimes tobacco leaves to promote inner tranquility and introspection.

On a more ethereal level, skullcap is suitably featured on the Star Tarot card in The Spirit of Herbs: A Guide to the Herbal Tarot, representing a time of inner reflection and meditation. Its affirmation goes as follows, "With peace and calmness in my heart, I am open to the inspirations that flow within me".

Interesting fact: Did you know that the Starbucks logo originally came from the Star Tarot card? However, its meaning has now translated to be something quite the opposite of skullcap (ie: coffee).

Skullcap tea tastes slightly vegetal and bitter-sweet, similar to nettle but not at all like mint.

While skullcap can be infused as an evening tea, we recommend skullcap tincture for such purposes. One, for the increased potency and second because it doesn't fill your bladder with liquids right before bed.

Keeping a tincture bottle on your nightstand can also be convenient for moments of restlessness in the middle of the night.

You can get regular alcohol-based tinctures or alcohol-free versions. Below we'll show you how to make your own skullcap tincture, something we've been doing for over 20 years.

Skullcap can also be taken in capsule form and is often found with other natural sleep aids in supplement formulations with nervine herbs like valerian, hops, passionflower, chamomile and lemon balm.

Making a skullcap liquid extract is very straight forward and doesn't require special tools or equipment.

We've been creating our homemade tincture of this herb for well over two decades and always keep a bottle in our medicine cabinet as well as by our bedside.

Ingredients:

• Dried Skullcap Herb (Scutellaria lateriflora) 
• Vodka (80 proof or 40% alcohol by volume)

Directions:

1. In a pint glass jar, fill half with dried skullcap.
2. Pour vodka over the herb, stir and allow to soak in for 5-10 minutes.
3. Next, add more vodka about an inch from the top.
4. Place a non-metallic lid on jar (as alcohol will corrode metal).
5. Label your tincture with the herb and date.
6. Store upright in a dark, cool, dry location like a pantry for about 4-5 weeks.
7. Stir or shake your tincturing skullcap twice during the first week and once thereafter.
8. After this time frame, strain out the herbal material from the liquid using cheesecloth, a mesh bag, strainer or a tincture press.
9. Funnel into tincture bottles and label.

This will yield you approximately four ounces of skullcap liquid extract or alcohol-based tincture.