Herb. No. 055 · Lamiaceae
Scutellaria lateriflora of eastern North American wetlands.
Native · North America
Native Also grown
OpenCautionplant
Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
A wetland mint for circular thinking — a nervine that wants the right species.
American skullcap is a traditional Eclectic nervine. Adulteration with germander has caused liver injury in the past — buy from growers who know lateriflora. Fresh tincture is the classic form. Chinese skullcap root is another plant entirely.
Flavor
Green, slightly bitter mint. Fresh herb is grassier than dried.
Parts used
Aerial parts
In favor
- Pretty blue racemes
- A true nervine niche
Against
- Adulteration history
- Can sedate
- Not a panic rescue