Its name may sound like something made for spooky season, but Skullcap Herb has a much calmer story to tell.
American Skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora, is a North American member of the mint family with delicate blue purple flowers and a long history in traditional herbalism. For generations, herbalists have turned to this unassuming plant as a nervine, a traditional term for herbs used to nourish, soothe, or support the nervous system.¹
Today, researchers are taking a closer look at Skullcap’s naturally occurring flavonoids and its traditional connection to relaxation, mood, and restful behavior. At Glacier Peak Holistics®, those qualities make Skullcap Herb a thoughtful fit in both Glacier Peace® and HerbAprin®, even though the two formulas are designed with different wellness goals in mind.¹ ²
Herbal Basics: Skullcap Herb
Common Name: American Skullcap, Blue Skullcap
Botanical Name: Scutellaria lateriflora
Genus: Scutellaria
Plant Family: Lamiaceae, the mint family
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Native Regions: North America, now cultivated beyond its native range
Parts Used: Aerial parts, including the leaves and flowering tops
Key Naturally Occurring Compounds: Flavonoids including baicalin and baicalein, phenolic compounds, phenylethanoid glycosides, and naturally occurring amino acids
Traditional Energetics: Cooling • Relaxing • Restorative
American Skullcap naturally grows throughout much of North America. Researchers examining the aerial portions of the plant have identified flavonoids as some of its predominant constituents, along with other naturally occurring compounds that continue to be investigated for their biological activity.² ⁵
So, Why Is It Called Skullcap?
The name sounds a little ominous, but it actually comes from the plant itself.
The genus name Scutellaria comes from the Latin word scutella, referring to a small dish or saucer. The common name Skullcap is associated with the distinctive cap or helmet like appearance of structures on the plant.
So while Skullcap makes an especially appropriate herb to talk about around Halloween, there is nothing particularly spooky about its traditional role.
Quite the opposite.
For generations, it has been valued as one of Western herbalism’s classic relaxing herbs.¹
A Long History as a Nervine
American Skullcap has deep roots in North American herbal tradition.
Historical sources document its use in Native American herbal practices, followed by its adoption into Western botanical medicine. Over time, Skullcap became particularly associated with nervous tension, restlessness, and relaxation.¹
Today, it remains one of the better known nervine herbs in Western herbalism.
The term nervine does not mean the herb treats a neurological condition. Traditionally, it describes botanicals used to gently support the nervous system, especially during periods of occasional tension or restlessness.
That distinction helps explain why Skullcap fits into formulas centered around both calm behavior and comfortable rest.
What Makes Skullcap Herb So Interesting?
Modern research has begun exploring the phytochemistry behind Skullcap’s long standing reputation.
A phytochemical analysis of Scutellaria lateriflora identified compounds including the flavonoids baicalin and baicalein, as well as naturally occurring GABA and glutamine. Researchers suggested that some of these constituents may help explain the plant’s traditional association with relaxation, although the mechanisms and clinical relevance continue to be studied.²
Additional research has identified multiple phenolic compounds in American Skullcap, with flavonoids representing a major part of its phytochemical profile.⁵
Like many herbs, Skullcap is more complex than one isolated compound. The whole plant contains a collection of naturally occurring constituents whose concentrations can vary depending on the source, preparation, and growing conditions.⁵
Skullcap Herb and Relaxation Research
Skullcap’s traditional connection to calm has also been investigated in human research.
A small double blind, placebo controlled study published in 2003 explored the effects of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers and reported findings consistent with its traditional calming reputation.³
A later randomized, double blind, placebo controlled crossover study involving 43 healthy adults examined Skullcap’s effects on mood. Researchers reported improvements in some measures of overall mood disturbance during Skullcap supplementation, while also noting limitations and the need for additional research.⁴
More recently, a 2025 randomized, double blind clinical trial examined a chemically characterized Scutellaria lateriflora extract in adults experiencing mild to moderate insomnia and reported improvements in several sleep related measures. That study involved a specific standardized human supplement, so its findings should not be assumed to apply directly to pets or to every Skullcap preparation.⁶
Taken together, this research does not make Skullcap a treatment for anxiety or sleep disorders. It does, however, help explain why an herb traditionally associated with relaxation continues to attract scientific interest.
Why We Include Skullcap Herb in Glacier Peace®
Glacier Peace® is formulated around one central goal: helping pets maintain a calmer response during everyday stressful situations.
Its 100% organic herbal blend combines Chamomile Flower, Passion Flower, Skullcap Herb, Ashwagandha Herb, and Valerian Root. Glacier Peace® is designed to support relaxation and emotional wellness during common stressors such as vet visits, grooming appointments, fireworks, thunderstorms, travel, visitors, and time away from family members.⁷
Skullcap fits naturally into this formula because of its long traditional history as a relaxing nervine.
Rather than focusing on sedation, Glacier Peace® is formulated to support calm behavior and relaxation while pets remain engaged in their normal daily activities.⁷
Skullcap is one piece of that larger botanical approach.
Why We Include Skullcap Herb in HerbAprin®
Seeing Skullcap in HerbAprin® may be a little more surprising.
HerbAprin® is centered around rest, recovery, everyday comfort, healthy movement, and restful behavior. Its 100% organic herbal blend includes White Willow Bark, Feverfew Herb, Skullcap Herb, Valerian Root, Chamomile Flower, Passion Flower, Rosemary Herb, and Capsicum.⁸
Here, Skullcap’s relaxing nervine tradition complements a different wellness goal.
After an active day, during periods when extra comfort is desired, or when an aging dog has a harder time settling comfortably, relaxation can be an important part of rest and recovery.
Within HerbAprin®, Skullcap is traditionally used to support nervous system calm and muscle relaxation, while the overall formula is designed around everyday comfort, movement, relaxation, and recovery.⁸
**HerbAprin® is not suitable for cats.**⁸
One Herb, Two Different Reasons for Using It
This is one of the things we love about herbal formulation.
The same herb can complement two formulas without those formulas doing the same job.
In Glacier Peace®, Skullcap sits within a blend centered around relaxation, emotional wellness, and maintaining a calmer response to everyday stressors.⁷
In HerbAprin®, it complements herbs selected around everyday comfort, healthy movement, relaxation, and restful recovery.⁸
The common thread is rest and relaxation.
The rest of the formula determines how Skullcap fits into the bigger wellness picture.
From a Spooky Name to a Surprisingly Gentle Herb
Skullcap may have one of the more dramatic names in the herbal world, but its history tells a very different story.
Behind those delicate flowers is a North American botanical that has been used by generations of herbalists as a relaxing nervine. Modern research has identified a complex collection of flavonoids and other plant compounds and has begun exploring the science behind Skullcap’s traditional reputation for calm, mood, and rest.¹ ² ⁴ ⁵
That combination of traditional herbal knowledge and continued scientific interest is exactly what makes Skullcap Herb such a thoughtful addition to both Glacier Peace® and HerbAprin®.
The name may be perfect for October.
The herb itself is all about helping things feel a little less spooky.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skullcap Herb for Pets
What Is Skullcap Herb?
American Skullcap, Scutellaria lateriflora, is a perennial herb in the mint family native to North America. Its aerial portions have a long history of traditional use as a relaxing nervine and contain naturally occurring flavonoids and other plant compounds that continue to be studied.¹ ² ⁵
Why Is It Called Skullcap?
The name comes from the appearance of the plant. The botanical genus Scutellaria takes its name from a Latin term referring to a small dish or saucer, and the common name Skullcap is associated with the cap like or helmet like appearance of parts of the flower.
Is Skullcap Traditionally Used for Calming?
Yes. American Skullcap has a long history in Western herbalism as a relaxing nervine. Human and laboratory research has also explored its relationship with mood, relaxation, and nervous system activity, although more research is needed.¹ ² ³ ⁴
What Naturally Occurring Compounds Are Found in Skullcap?
Researchers have identified numerous phenolic compounds in Scutellaria lateriflora, particularly flavonoids. Studies have identified compounds including baicalin, baicalein, and several other flavonoids and phenylethanoid glycosides.² ⁵
Why Is Skullcap Herb in Glacier Peace®?
Skullcap complements Glacier Peace®’s blend of Chamomile Flower, Passion Flower, Ashwagandha Herb, and Valerian Root. The formula is designed to support relaxation, emotional wellness, and a calmer response to common everyday stressors in dogs and cats.⁷
Why Is Skullcap Herb in HerbAprin®?
In HerbAprin®, Skullcap contributes to a formula centered around relaxation, restful behavior, everyday comfort, healthy movement, and recovery.⁸
Are Glacier Peace® and HerbAprin® the Same Type of Product?
No. Glacier Peace® is a calming support formula for dogs and cats, while HerbAprin® is formulated around comfort, healthy movement, rest, and recovery for dogs and horses. They share some relaxing herbs, including Skullcap, but their overall formulations and intended wellness roles are different.⁷ ⁸
References
1. Upton R. Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora L.: An American nervine. Journal of Herbal Medicine. 2012;2(3):76 to 96.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210803312000607
2. Awad R, Arnason JT, Trudeau V, et al. Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(8):640 to 649.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14692724/
3. Wolfson P, Hoffmann DL. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2003;9(2):74 to 78.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12652886/
4. Brock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I, Towell T. American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double blind placebo controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers. Phytotherapy Research. 2014;28(5):692 to 698.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23878109/
5. Zhang Z, Lian XY, Li S, Stringer JL. Characterization of chemical ingredients and anticonvulsant activity of American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). Phytomedicine. 2009;16(5):485 to 493.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18786819/
6. Di Minno A, Morone MV, Buccato DG, et al. Efficacy and Tolerability of a Chemically Characterized Scutellaria lateriflora L. Extract Based Food Supplement for Sleep Management: A Single Center, Controlled, Randomized, Crossover, Double Blind Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2025;17(9):1491.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40362800/
This article is intended for educational purposes only. Research discussed may involve traditional herbal use, laboratory studies, animal models, or human research using specific Skullcap preparations. Findings should not be interpreted as evidence of product specific outcomes. Glacier Peak Holistics® products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
