Scutellaria lateriflora, better known as American skullcap and Virginia skullcap, is a perennial woodland herb found throughout North America. The plant is also cultivated elsewhere, including Europe and China. It should NOT be confused, however, with its cousin Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) as the two are not interchangeable.
Skullcap has a long history of use in America and England that spans at least 200 years. It is traditionally used as a restorative herb to counter insomnia, anxiety and nervous tension. It is often combined with herbs with similar properties, such as
valerian root,
chamomile or
hops.
