Skullcap

What is Skullcap?

Skullcap is a supplement made from the dried skullcap herb, a plant belonging to the mint family. Both the roots and the above-ground parts of the plant are dried and used in various herbal remedies. Throughout the centuries, this plant has a long history in traditional medicine, where it was used to cure various physical ailments. Nowadays, Skullcap is particularly valued for its mildly sedative and calming properties. It can help relax the body and is known for its ability to provide support during stress. Skullcap is often used to calm the mind, making it a popular choice for people who need relaxation or who have trouble sleeping. It promotes a more peaceful feeling, which can help improve sleep quality and reduce restlessness. Because of these properties, Skullcap is a valuable herb for anyone looking for natural support for stress or sleep disorders.

How do you use Skullcap?

Skullcap (Scutellaria Lateriflora) comes as 50 grams of coarsely cut and dried herbs. Although Skullcap can be consumed in various ways, we recommend brewing it as a tea. Use 1 or 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water, let the tea steep for 5 to 20 minutes and then strain. The longer you let the tea steep, the stronger the flavour will be. The taste of the tea is usually mild but slightly bitter and herbal. You can soften it with honey or lemon or combine it with other calming herbs such as valerian or chamomile for an enhanced effect. For optimal extraction of the active compounds, it is important not to let the water boil when you pour it over the herbs. Water of approximately 90°C is ideal: allow boiled water to cool for a minute or two before using it. A well-sealed teapot or mug with a lid helps to retain the volatile compounds during steeping.

What are the ingredients of Skullcap?

Scutellaria Lateriflora (50 grams)

What is the recommended dosage of Skullcap?

It has calming properties and is best taken in moderate amounts. The recommended dosage is 1-2 cups per day, which amounts to approximately 1 gram per day. Start with 1 cup per day to see how your body responds. For optimal extraction of the active compounds, it is important not to let the water boil when you pour it over the herbs. Water of approximately 90°C is ideal – allow boiled water to cool for a minute or two before using it. A well-sealed teapot or mug with a lid helps to retain the volatile compounds during steeping.

Where does Skullcap come from?

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), also known as blue skullcap, mad dog skullcap or (blue) skullcap herb, is an herb that has been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries. It belongs to the labiate family (Lamiaceae, also known as mint) and is native to North America. There are about 200 different species of skullcap that occur throughout the world. Over the centuries, different cultures have utilised the herb. For example, the Chinese variant was used to drive away evil spirits as early as the first centuries after Christ. In traditional Chinese medicine, the small plant is used for the still popular medicine Huang Qin.