American Skullcap
A traditional North American nervine herb (Scutellaria lateriflora) used for anxiety and restlessness. Only two small human trials exist, both in healthy volunteers rather than in people with an anxiety or sleep disorder.
Where to buy
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What the science says
- Mood in healthy volunteers Limited evidence
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study in 43 healthy volunteers reported improvements in some mood ratings after two weeks of skullcap without a loss of energy or cognition. The sample was small, the participants were not anxious at baseline, and the finding has not been replicated.
- Acute anxiety reduction Limited evidence
An earlier small placebo-controlled trial in healthy volunteers found reductions in several anxiety measures after single doses of skullcap. Both human studies come from the same narrow literature and neither tested clinical anxiety disorders.
- Use for sleep Limited evidence
No controlled trial has measured sleep latency or sleep quality with American skullcap. Its reputation as a sleep herb comes from traditional use and from its flavonoid affinity for benzodiazepine binding sites in laboratory assays, not from clinical outcomes.
Dosage & safety
How to take it
Interactions
With medications
- benzodiazepines, z-drugs, sedating antihistamines, opioids and alcohol
Additive sedation and impaired coordination. do not combine, and do not drive until you know how it affects you
With other supplements
- valerian, kava, melatonin and other sedative herbs
Additive drowsiness. use one at a time rather than stacking sedative herbs
Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.
Frequently asked questions
Does American skullcap work for anxiety?
The evidence for American skullcap is limited: two small trials in healthy volunteers reported improvements in some mood or anxiety measures, but no trial has tested it in people with an anxiety disorder.
Does skullcap help you sleep?
No controlled trial has measured sleep with American skullcap. Its reputation as a sleep herb comes from traditional use and laboratory binding studies, not clinical outcomes.
Is American skullcap safe for the liver?
Rare case reports link skullcap products to liver injury, though many involved adulteration with germander, a genuinely hepatotoxic plant. Buy American skullcap only from suppliers who verify species identity, and avoid it with liver disease, in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
How much American skullcap should I take?
The mood study used 1050 mg per day of dried American skullcap in divided doses; typical products supply 350-1000 mg of dried herb or 2-4 mL of tincture up to three times daily. Do not combine it with sedatives or alcohol.
Scientific references
Related in Sleep & relaxation
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