Best Skullcap Supplements (2026)

Skullcap is a flowering herb in the mint family that has been used for centuries in both traditional Chinese medicine and Native American herbalism. Available in two main varieties — American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) — this herb is valued for its calming properties, GABA support, and ability to ease tension and promote relaxation. Whether you’re looking for mood support, better sleep, or nervous system nourishment, here are the best skullcap supplements available right now.

Quick Comparison

Product	Type	Form	Best For	Rating
Nature’s Way Skullcap Herb	American Skullcap	Capsules	Best Overall	9.4/10
Herb Pharm Organic Skullcap	American Skullcap	Liquid Extract	Best Liquid	9.3/10
Solaray Blue Skullcap	American Skullcap	VegCaps	Best for Mood	9.2/10
Swanson Chinese Skullcap	Chinese Skullcap	Capsules	Best Chinese Variety	9.1/10
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Skullcap	American Skullcap	Capsules	Best Organic	9.0/10
NutraMedix Baikal Skullcap	Chinese Skullcap	Tincture	Best for Immune Support	8.9/10
Wild & Organic Skullcap	American Skullcap	Capsules	Best Value	8.8/10

1. Nature’s Way Skullcap Herb – Best Overall

Nature’s Way delivers a straightforward, trusted skullcap supplement backed by decades of herbal expertise.

Each serving provides American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) in whole herb form, using the stem, leaf, and flower of the plant. The formula is Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, and gluten-free. Nature’s Way sources herbs globally and tests every batch for identity and quality, making this a reliable everyday option for nervous system support. If you’re also looking for relaxation support, check out our guide to the best lemon balm supplements.

• Pros:
• Non-GMO Project Verified with clean label
• Trusted brand with decades of herbal expertise
• Vegan capsules with no unnecessary fillers

• Cons:
• Lower potency than some concentrated extracts
• Requires 2-6 capsules daily depending on needs

Best for: Everyday calming support from a trusted, well-established herbal brand

2. Herb Pharm Certified Organic Skullcap – Best Liquid Extract

Herb Pharm’s liquid extract is made from fresh, never-dried organic skullcap grown on their own Oregon farms.

This tincture uses certified organic American skullcap harvested at full flower for peak potency. The liquid format allows for rapid absorption and flexible dosing — 30 to 40 drops taken 2-5 times daily in water. Herb Pharm verifies identity via HPTLC fingerprinting. The extract is vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, with organic cane alcohol as the solvent base.

• Pros:
• Farm-grown, fresh-harvested organic skullcap
• Liquid format for faster absorption
• HPTLC identity verification for quality assurance

• Cons:
• Contains cane alcohol (45-55%), which has a strong taste
• Dropper dosing less convenient than capsules

Best for: Those who prefer liquid herbal extracts and want farm-to-bottle transparency

3. Solaray Blue Skullcap 425mg – Best for Mood Support

Solaray’s single-ingredient formula focuses on blue skullcap’s mood-boosting and GABA-supporting properties.

Each VegCap delivers 425mg of whole aerial American skullcap. Blue skullcap contains phytochemicals that support normal GABA activity, which helps promote relaxation and a healthy, positive mood. The formula is vegan, and Solaray backs it with their 60-day guarantee and lab verification. One capsule per serving makes dosing simple and consistent.

• Pros:
• Solid 425mg per single capsule serving
• Specifically formulated for mood and GABA support
• Lab-verified with 60-day satisfaction guarantee

• Cons:
• Whole herb rather than standardized extract
• Only 100 capsules per bottle

Best for: Targeted mood support and promoting calm through GABA activity

4. Swanson Chinese Skullcap 400mg – Best Chinese Skullcap Variety

Swanson’s formula features Scutellaria baicalensis root, the Chinese variety prized for its rich flavonoid content.

This supplement delivers 400mg of Chinese skullcap root in a 4:1 extract per capsule. Chinese skullcap (Huang Qin) has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine and contains baicalin and baicalein — powerful flavonoids associated with antioxidant and immune-supportive properties. Swanson manufactures in GMP-certified facilities with third-party lab testing.

• Pros:
• 4:1 concentrated extract for enhanced potency
• Rich in baicalin and baicalein flavonoids
• GMP-certified manufacturing with third-party testing

• Cons:
• Uses gelatin capsules (not vegan)
• Different benefits profile than American skullcap

Best for: Those specifically seeking Chinese skullcap for its flavonoid and antioxidant properties

5. Oregon’s Wild Harvest Organic Skullcap – Best Organic

Oregon’s Wild Harvest provides USDA organic skullcap with nothing but the herb and a capsule.

This supplement contains organic skullcap tops (Scutellaria lateriflora) in non-GMO bovine gelatin capsules — and nothing else. No fillers, binders, or excipients. The recommended dosage is 3 capsules daily. Oregon’s Wild Harvest is known for their commitment to organic farming practices and minimal processing. For additional relaxation support, pair with a quality valerian root supplement.

• Pros:
• USDA certified organic with zero fillers
• Two-ingredient formula (herb + capsule only)
• Reputable Oregon-based herbal company

• Cons:
• Bovine gelatin capsules (not vegetarian)
• Requires 3 capsules per serving

Best for: Purists who want a clean, organic skullcap with absolutely no additives

6. NutraMedix Baikal Skullcap Tincture – Best for Immune Support

NutraMedix uses a proprietary extraction process to deliver Chinese skullcap root with a focus on immune and heart health.

This 2 oz tincture features a hydro-ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis root. The formula is rich in flavonoids that support immune function and provide antioxidant protection. NutraMedix manufactures in their own U.S. facility and performs stringent identity, microbial, and heavy metal testing under cGMP guidelines. Their proprietary process uses unprocessed herbs for optimal potency.

• Pros:
• Proprietary extraction process for maximum potency
• In-house U.S. manufacturing with rigorous testing
• Broad flavonoid spectrum for immune support

• Cons:
• Premium price point compared to capsule options
• Alcohol-based tincture may not suit everyone

Best for: Immune support and antioxidant protection from a clinical-grade tincture

7. Horbäach Scullcap Capsules – Best Value

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Horbäach delivers a max-potency scullcap formula in a 200-count bottle at an exceptional price.

This value-sized bottle provides 200 capsules of Scutellaria baicalensis, offering one of the best per-serving costs in the skullcap category. The formula is non-GMO and gluten-free. Horbäach has over 40 years of experience in the supplement industry and tests each batch for purity and potency. If you’re exploring herbal supplements for natural anxiety relief, this is an affordable entry point.

• Pros:
• 200-count bottle provides outstanding value
• Max potency formulation
• Non-GMO and gluten-free

• Cons:
• Uses Scutellaria baicalensis rather than lateriflora
• Less brand recognition in the herbal supplement space

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers looking for a high-count, affordable skullcap option

How to Choose the Best Skullcap Supplement

The most important decision when choosing a skullcap supplement is which variety you want. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is traditionally used for calming, relaxation, and nervous system support, while Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is valued for its flavonoid content and immune-supportive properties. Both have legitimate herbal traditions behind them, but they serve different purposes.

For American skullcap, look for products that use the aerial parts (stem, leaf, and flower) harvested at full bloom. Dosages typically range from 350mg to 1,200mg daily depending on concentration. For Chinese skullcap, root extracts standardized for baicalin content provide the most consistent potency — look for 4:1 or higher extracts.

Form matters as well. Capsules offer convenience and consistent dosing, while liquid tinctures provide faster absorption and more flexible dosing. Organic certification, third-party testing, and GMP manufacturing are good quality indicators regardless of which form you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is skullcap and what does it do?

Skullcap is an herb in the mint family with two main medicinal varieties. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is primarily used for calming the nervous system, easing anxiety, and supporting relaxation through its effects on GABA activity. Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) contains flavonoids like baicalin that provide antioxidant and immune-supportive benefits.

How much skullcap should I take daily?

Dosages vary by product and form. For American skullcap capsules, typical doses range from 350mg to 1,050mg daily. One clinical study used 1,050mg daily to support mood. For liquid extracts, 30-40 drops taken 2-5 times daily is standard. Always follow the specific product’s label directions.

When is the best time to take skullcap?

For relaxation and calming benefits, take skullcap between meals or in the evening. If using it for sleep support, taking it 30-60 minutes before bedtime works well. Chinese skullcap for immune support can be taken at any time with or without food.

Are there any side effects of skullcap?

Skullcap is generally well-tolerated when used as directed. Possible side effects include drowsiness, stomach upset, and in rare cases, liver concerns with very high doses. It should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women, and those on medications should consult a healthcare provider first.

What is the difference between American and Chinese skullcap?

American skullcap uses the aerial parts of Scutellaria lateriflora and is primarily valued for calming, relaxation, and nervous system support. Chinese skullcap uses the root of Scutellaria baicalensis and is rich in flavonoids like baicalin and baicalein, making it more suitable for immune and antioxidant support.

Can I take skullcap with other supplements?

Skullcap pairs well with other calming herbs like valerian root, lemon balm, and passionflower. However, because it may enhance sedative effects, use caution when combining with other sleep or relaxation supplements. Avoid combining with sedative medications without professional guidance.

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