Also known as mad dog skullcap, it is a powerful medicinal herb, it is used in alternative medicine as an anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic. Skullcap is used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, anxiety, delirium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers. A medicinal infusion of the plant is used to promote menstruation, the infusion is also used in the treatment of throat infections. The infusion is given for nervous headaches, neuralgia and in headache arising from incessant coughing, pain, and inducing sleep when necessary, without any unpleasant symptoms following. Skullcap is currently being used as an alternative medicine to treat ADD and a number of nerve disorders.

Some valuable constituents found in the plant are Scutellarin, Catalpol, other Volatile oils, bitter iridoids and Tannins. Scientific studies are proving this to be a valuable plant in many areas for mental disorders.

Almost all recent research has been done on the Chinese S. baicalensis. Few studies have been done on American skullcap, but one of its compounds, scutellarin, has been shown to have mild sedative and antispasmodic properties. Baikal skullcap, the subject of numerous Chinese studies, shows that a tincture of Baikal skullcap reduces high blood pressure It also inhibits bacteria and viruses, is diuretic, and lowers fevers. In China, it is also used to treat hepatitis.

. Should be used with some caution since in overdose it causes giddiness, stupor, confusion and twitching.

It should not be given to pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage.