Botanical name
Scutellaria lateriflora
Also known as American Skullcap, Blue Pimpernel, Blue Skullcap, Escutelaria, Grande Toque, Helmet Flower, Hoodwort, Mad-Dog Herb, Mad-Dog Skullcap, Mad-Dog Weed, and Mad Weed.
Relaxes nervous tension and tonifies the nervous system. Used for PMS, stress, anxiety, migraines and hysteria.
Learn about Skullcap
There are two types of Skullcap (Chinese and American) and we are referring here to the American Skullcap. Skullcap derives its name from its ability to relieve tension headaches. It is an excellent herb for nervous tension and anxiety, because it both relaxes and tones the whole nervous system; this is particularly useful with menstrual tension and hysteria.
It is a valuable herb for assisting healthy sleep patterns, especially if anxiety or tension is a factor.
In Chinese medicine, Skullcap is considered excellent for cooling the mind, liver and lungs. For this reason it promotes a state of meditation and calms an overactive mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which herbs should I use for anxiety?
Which herbs should I use for anxiety?
For anxiety support, some of the best herbs include calming nervines which directly soothe the nervous system to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, and adaptogens which help the body build long-term resilience to stress and balance overall mood and energy.
Some of our favourite herbs for anxiety include:
- Passionflower: Calms nervous tension and supports restful sleep.
- Lemon Balm: Gently uplifts mood and soothes the digestive system.
- Chamomile: Provides gentle relaxation and eases irritability.
- Kava: Deeply relaxes and helps with social anxiety (use cautiously).
- Skullcap: Supports nervous system recovery and eases mental overwhelm.
- Damiana: Uplifts mood, reduces social anxiety and opens the heart
- Blue Lily (Blue Lotus) – Mildly euphoric and heart-opening
- Ashwagandha: Builds long-term resilience to stress and balances adrenal function.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil): Uplifts mood and promotes emotional balance.
- Rhodiola: Energizes while reducing stress-related mental fatigue.
Choosing the right herb depends on your specific anxiety symptoms—whether you need gentle calming, mood support, adrenal balance, or social ease.
What are the best herbs for anxiety attacks?
What are the best herbs for anxiety attacks?
For anxiety attacks—which come on suddenly and feel intense—fast-acting herbs that calm the nervous system and ease panic are most effective. Here are some of the best ones:
- Kava – One of the strongest herbal relaxants. Calms the mind and body quickly, making it ideal for acute anxiety or panic. Best used occasionally. We recommend our Instant Kava for quick & easy preparation.
- Passionflower – Soothes racing thoughts and tension. Great for calming the nerves during high-stress moments or before bed. We recommend our Passionflower 1:2 Liquid Herb for ease of use & quick absorption.
- Skullcap – Eases sudden nervous tension, restlessness, and twitchy muscles. Can help slow mental spiraling. We recommend our Skullcap 1:2 Liquid Herb for ease of use & quick absorption.
- California Poppy – A gentle sedative that reduces emotional overwhelm and physical symptoms like a pounding heart or tight chest.
- Lemon Balm – Quick-acting and soothing for both the mind and digestion. Ideal when anxiety causes stomach upset or shakiness. We recommend our Lemon Balm 1:2 Liquid Herb for ease of use & quick absorption.
- Lavender – Both aromatherapy and internal use can rapidly calm the nervous system and reduce panic symptoms.
- Rescue Plus (Bach Flower Essence + Australian Bush Flower Essence) – Not an herb, but a classic fast-acting flower essence blend many find helpful in moments of crisis.
Common Uses
Alcohol & Drug Recovery, Anxiety, Childbirth, Cramps, Depression, Dysmenorrhea, Harm Reduction from Cannabis, Harm Reduction from Opiates/Alcohol, Heart Palpitations, Insomnia, Menstrual Cramps, Miscarriage, Mood Enhancement, Muscle Cramps, Muscle Pain, Nervous System, Nicotine & Drug Withdrawal, Pain, PMS, Relaxation, Restlessness, Sedation, Socialising, Stress, Tension, Trauma (Emotional), Trauma (Physical), and Neuralgia.Precautions
Use caution taking Skullcap if you are also taking sedative or anxiety medication.
Precautions
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Skullcap 1:2 Liquid Herb
Vendor:Happy Herb CoRegular price $39.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price $39.00 AUD -
Peace Pipe
Vendor:Happy Herb CoRegular price From $26.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / perSale price From $26.00 AUD
Collapsible content
References
David Hoffman (1995), The New Holistic Herbal, p233
Michael Tierra (1998), Planetary Herbology, pp345-355




