Herbs Guide

Skullcap

Family Name: Labiatae

Botanical Name(s): Scutellaria Laterifolia

Popular Name(s): Scullcap, Hoodwort, Quaker Bonnet, Helmet Flower, European Skullcap, Greater Skullcap,

Parts Used: Aerial Plant

Habitat: Skullcap is native to North America, but is now widely cultivated in Europe and other areas of the world.

Description: Scutellaria lateriflora is one species of skullcap that is used in herbal preparations. The plant derives its name from the cap like appearance of the outer whorl of its small blue flowers. Skullcap is a slender, heavily branched plant that grows to a height of two to four feet and blooms each July.

Uses: It has bee used in the treatment of muscle spasms, calming of the nerves. It has also been used to treat symptoms associated with tension, headache, anorexia nervosa, anxiety, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome and other causes of insomnia.