Skullcap Herb: Benefits & Side Effects

The skullcap herb is a plant that is used for medicinal purposes in both Chinese and American medicine. It is a flowering plant in the mint family with the common name Scutellaria.

Like many plants, those who practice natural medicine have found properties and compounds to help with some human ailments. Over the years, skullcap has been used for various health benefits, including relieving anxiety and helping with sleep. 

Today, we’ll discuss the skullcap plant, its potential health benefits, and side effects.

What is Skullcap?

The word skullcap (also spelled scullcap) comes from the flower which is shaped like a dish or helmet. The Latin word, scutella, means “little dish.” The flowers take on a blue hue and usually flowers in late summer and early fall.

Chinese Skullcap Herb

Chinese skullcap, also called baikal skullcap, is of the species Scutellaria baicalensis. There are many names for this species, including:

• Escutelaria Asiatica
• Huang Qin
• Huangquin
• Hwanggum
• Ogon
• Ou-gon
• Racine de Scutellaire du Lac Baïkal
• Wogon

American Skullcap Herb

American skullcap, used mainly by Native Americans, is the species Scutellaria lateriflora. This flower may also be known as:

• Blue skullcap
• Mad dog skullcap
• Side-flowering skullcap

Skull cap is typically used as a supplement. It can come in several different forms, such as powder, tincture, liquid, tablet, and teas.

Roots and leaves from both types of skullcap plant are being used to treat a variety of ailments. Each plant has its own unique compounds, which have been shown to ease some medical conditions.

Some users on Reddit have found skullcap easy to grow for personal use. If your doctor has okayed the use of skullcap without worry of potential side effects, this may be something to explore.

Let’s review some of the ways skullcap may be able to help relieve certain health issues.

Potential Benefits of Using Skullcap Herb

While not everyone will see relief from using Chinese or American skullcap, studies suggest some have seen positive results. We discuss those potential health concerns that may be helped by using the skull cap supplement.

For Anxiety

One of the most common ways skullcap herb has been studied is on its effects with anxiety symptoms. For many who saw a positive response, their mood has also improved. 

Through studies and trials, this herb has been proven to have anxiolytic effects, which reduce anxiety. Studies on rats have shown promise and trials moved to humans to confirm results.

American skullcap was used in a placebo-controlled trial with 43 patients who suffer from anxiety. When compared to the placebo group, the skullcap group showed significant mood and anxiety improvements. They received 350 mg three times daily of skullcap for two weeks.

One of the reasons this herb seems to work particularly well to ease anxiety symptoms is its ability to bind to GABA neurotransmitters. By enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, prescribed medications, and skullcap herb can help control anxiety. 

The lack of side effects with herbs compared to formulated medications may make skullcap an attractive option.

For Insomnia

Missing sleep regularly can be a hazard to your health. Studies done on people who don’t sleep well and suffer from insomnia have found that skullcap may improve their sleep.

The active compound, baicalin, found in American and Chinese skullcap has shown to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines while improving GABA(A) receptors. This combination has proven effective at activating the dark period in sleep-wake regulation. By helping to regulate the light and dark periods properly, insomnia sufferers are able to fall asleep and stay asleep.

It can even be found as an ingredient in some over the counter sleep aids.

For Allergy Symptoms

Dealing with allergies is no fun. Runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, hay fever, you name it, it’s miserable to deal with. Some studies suggest that skullcap may be able to help those who are plagued with allergy symptoms.

Food allergies are especially problematic and depending on severity, could be dangerous. One study done on mice set out to determine if Chinese skullcap could help prevent an allergic reaction to food. Researchers found that it was able to regulate the systemic immune response, reducing the severity of symptoms.

Another study found that an active component of skullcap, wogonin, may be responsible for this regulation. As a preventative, wogonin could help reduce or eliminate symptoms of food allergies, asthma, and atopic dermatitis.

By blocking cytokine production and mast cell histamine response, it can reduce the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. This study also shows that skullcap can reduce inflammation of the airways as well.

For Cancer and Tumor Reduction

Flavones in Chinese skullcap, found in the roots, has been used in studies to explore antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects on humans. Some research suggests that they could also be antitumor and kill off cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

Extracting flavonoids to isolate baicalin from the plant may be the key to creating alternative cancer treatments. In order to be used as an effective cancer treatment, bioavailability must be explored.

An analysis of both animal and human studies shows tumor reduction and cancer cell death in those with prostate and bladder cancer. Some Asian countries are already using skullcap as part of their cancer treatments with positive success.

Though more studies will need to be performed both in the lab and on animals and humans, the results are promising. Compared to current cancer treatments, skullcap could be an attractive alternative because of its lack of side effects.

For Arthritis

Studies have claimed that arthritis sufferers may find relief from inflammation and pain when taking Chinese skullcap herb. 

When compared to the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), Naproxen, skullcap did equally well for arthritis sufferers. In one study, 103 patients were given a 500 mg dose twice daily of either skullcap herb or Naproxen. After a month, skullcap was found to be equally effective for pain and symptom management of osteoarthritis of the knee.

By inhibiting inflammatory producing 5-LOX and COX enzymes, skullcap has proven effective against Aleve, Advil, and Celebrex as well. Because of the side effects caused by taking these medications long-term, skullcap may be a viable option for some.

Now that we know some of the potential benefits of using the skullcap plant, let’s look at:

• Who should avoid taking skullcap herb
• Potential side effects
• Which medications and supplements should not be mixed with skullcap
• Dosage recommendations

Who Should Not Use Skullcap?

Due to a lack of research, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use skullcap. 

Drinking alcohol while taking it could increase drowsiness.

Those who take certain medications should also avoid taking skullcap without speaking to their doctor:

• Diabetes medication
• Lithium
• Sedatives
• Narcotics
• Sleeping pills
• Anxiety medication
• Muscle relaxers
• Depression medication
• Seizure medication
• Blood thinners
• Cholesterol-lowering medications

Mixing skullcap with other medications intended to cause drowsiness or sleepiness should be avoided. The same can be said for other supplements, which could include:

• 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
• Calamus
• California poppy
• Catnip
• Gotu kola
• Jamaican dogwood
• Kava
• Melatonin
• St. John’s wort
• Valerian
• Yerba mansa

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do any activities where you can risk injury due to drowsiness or confusion. Skullcap herb should be taken in the safety of your home or with a trusted professional until you know how it will affect you.

If you’re unsure if you should take skullcap, consult your doctor before taking it.

Side Effects

The most common side effects when taking skullcap is drowsiness and fever. If you are showing signs of liver problems or swelling in the lungs, you should get medical attention immediately.

Though signs of liver damage can be alarming, most instances of these symptoms are in combination with other herbs. It’s hard to say which specific herb has attributed to each case of liver damage or other side effects. 

For those with symptoms, they came on anywhere from one to 12 weeks after starting an herbal regimen. Symptoms typically resolved after herbs were stopped unless there was an underlying medical issue. Hepatotoxicity is considered rare, especially without an underlying cause, when taking scullcap.

Symptoms that should not be ignored:

• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Nausea
• Itching
• Sweating
• Pale skin
• Dark urine
• Sudden loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Uneven or rapid heart beat
• Anxiety
• Chest pain

Those who think they may be having an allergic reaction to skullcap should stop taking it immediately. Consult a medical professional if, after taking skullcap, you experience swelling in your:

• Face
• Throat
• Mouth
• Lips 

It’s always best to speak with your doctor before taking any new supplements, especially if you’re on medication.

Dosage

The dosage amount varies with skullcap based on the form you’re taking and the reason you’re taking it. Age, body weight, and health condition are all factors that will help determine the proper dosage.

You should follow the instructions on the label or the professional who advised you to use skullcap. Teas and tinctures are commonly combined with other herbs, including lemon balm, valerian, and ginseng. Because these forms are less concentrated, you may need higher doses to feel the effects.

Some studies referenced above provide dosage information and have been mentioned. According to Winchester Hospital, 500 mg two or three times daily may help with anxiety or knee osteoarthritis symptoms.

If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, consult a medical professional immediately.

Final Thoughts

The skullcap herb is considered generally safe when taken as prescribed or as directed. However, it’s not safe for everyone. Before taking it in any form, consult your doctor, especially if you are already taking medication or other supplements.

If you notice any of the side effects listed above after taking skullcap, stop taking it immediately and get medical attention. For some, it has been an effective herb to help combat sleeplessness, anxiety, and other health concerns.

We currently have a sleep aid supplement that does offer many of the same benefits. Vintage Bliss was designed for better sleep and muscle regeneration. If you have trouble sleeping and/or want to maximize your muscle recovery, consider this highly-reviewed supplement.

Have you used skullcap herb to help with any of the health concerns discussed today? What is your experience? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.