Skullcap (American or Chinese)
Two different herbs sharing a name. American skullcap is a gentle nervine for anxiety; Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a powerful anti-inflammatory with cancer-adjunct research.
Moderate for anxiety reduction (American), inflammation / immune support (Chinese), and emerging cancer-adjunct research (Chinese baicalein). Effects: 2–8 weeks.
American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has a centuries-long Western herbal use for anxiety, nervous tension, and mild insomnia — mostly via GABA modulation. Chinese skullcap (S. baicalensis) is a different plant with different uses, primarily as an anti-inflammatory and immune modulator. Its bioactive baicalein has reasonable cancer-adjunct, hepatitis, and viral infection evidence. Both safe at recommended doses; read the label for which species.
- Form
- American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) — anxiety / sleep tincture or extract. Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) standardised to baicalein — anti-inflammatory / immune.
- Dose
- American: 350–700 mg or 2–4 mL tincture 2–3x daily. Chinese: 250–500 mg standardised baicalein extract 2x daily.
- Timing
- With food. PM for sleep use.
- Schedule
- Daily or as-needed.
- Side effects
- Drowsiness, mild GI upset. Rare liver toxicity reports (often traced to adulteration with germander — buy reputable brands).
- Interactions
- Sedatives (American — additive). Anticoagulants — mild additive. CYP enzyme substrates — Chinese skullcap is a moderate CYP inhibitor.
- Contraindications
- Liver disease (relative — adulteration concerns). Pregnancy / breastfeeding. Bleeding disorders.
- Lab markers
- Liver enzymes if running long-term.
- Food sources
- Not in everyday food.
Pairs with
American: Valerian, passionflower, lemon balm. Chinese: Curcumin, quercetin, mushroom extracts (anti-inflammatory / immune stack).
within Herbs & botanicals