Skullcap

Skullcap (sometimes spelled scullcap) is the common name for Scutellaria, a genus of flowering plants in the mint family.

American skullcap has been shown to boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

Skullcap has been linked to several other benefits, including:

• Anticonvulsant effects. Orally supplementing with American skullcap has been shown to have anticonvulsant effects in rodents.
• Insomnia. Baicalin, a compound found in both American and Chinese skullcap, is used to treat insomnia in traditional medicine practices.
• Neurodegenerative disease. Some test-tube studies suggest that American skullcap may have neuroprotective properties, potentially safeguarding against diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Heart health. In one animal study, baicalin injections significantly reduced damage associated with an induced heart attack.