Overview
Skullcap (Scutellaria spp.) is a bitter herb with cooling virya and pungent vipaka. It pacifies Pitta and Kapha (PK-) but may aggravate Vata in excess (V+). It works on the plasma, muscle, marrow and nerve tissues through the nervous and circulatory systems.
Skullcap is a good calming herb with special properties for lowering high Pitta and for helping reduce the fiery emotions of anger, jealousy, and hatred. Its key actions include nervine, antispasmodic, sedative, and alterative properties. It calms the nervous system and is valuable for a wide range of neurological conditions.
It is indicated for insomnia, convulsions, tremors, muscular spasms, neuralgia, epilepsy, neurosis, nervous headaches, hypertension, urinary and seminal incontinence, headaches, and arthritis. It is prepared as an infusion (hot or cold) or powder (250 mg to 1 g).
Precautions: Skullcap should be used with caution in cases of high Vata, deficient Vata, and severe nerve deficiency.
Source: The Yoga of Herbs, Section A: Commonly Available Herbs
How to Use Skullcap by Condition
Explore how Skullcap is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.