American skullcap is a perennial herb in the mint family that is native to the moist woodlands of North America. Also known as marsh skullcap, helmet flower and mad dog weed, skullcap is a traditional nervine and tonic herb.
In the 1700s, skullcap was highly regarded as a remedy for rabies, although there is no evidence to support this. The herb was also recommended for “female weakness.” Today, skullcap is recognized for its anxiolytic effects and usually enjoyed as tea.