THE BOTANICAL APOTHECARY
Explore Single Botanicals
Discover flowers, leaves, roots and herbs selected for brewing, blending and everyday botanical rituals.
Skullcap at a Glance
A traditional North American botanical from the mint family, Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is an aromatic herb commonly prepared in hot water as a simple herbal infusion known as Skullcap tea.
Botanical
Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
Plant Part
Dried Aerial Parts
The above-ground parts of the Skullcap plant are dried and prepared for traditional botanical use.
Preparation
Herbal Infusion
Traditionally steeped in freshly boiled water and strained before serving.
Flavour
Mild & Herbaceous
An earthy, gently herbaceous botanical flavour with a subtle natural bitterness.
Plant Family
Lamiaceae
Skullcap belongs to the mint family, a diverse botanical family of aromatic herbs.
Packed in South Africa
20 g
Carefully packed by Flowers from my Meadow for your home botanical apothecary.
Discover Skullcap
New to Skullcap? Discover a little more about this traditional botanical, from the plant behind the name to what you receive and the different ways dried Skullcap can become part of your home botanical apothecary.
What Is Skullcap?
Skullcap is the common name for Scutellaria lateriflora, a perennial herb native to North America and a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae.
Why Is It Called Skullcap?
The name “Skullcap” comes from the distinctive shape of the plant’s small flowers, which were thought to resemble the close-fitting helmets or caps once worn in Europe.
What Do I Receive?
A 20 g pouch of dried Skullcap Herb, ready for preparing herbal infusions, creating loose botanical blends and exploring traditional herbal preparations at home.
Is Skullcap a Tea?
Skullcap is a single dried botanical rather than a conventional tea. When the dried herb is infused in hot water, the resulting drink is commonly referred to as Skullcap tea.
Can I Blend Skullcap?
Yes. Skullcap can be enjoyed on its own or paired with complementary botanicals and ingredients to create more layered herbal infusions. Explore The Meadow Kitchen below for a few ideas.
Is Skullcap Caffeine-Free?
Yes. Skullcap contains no traditional tea leaves from Camellia sinensis, so a pure Skullcap herbal infusion is naturally caffeine-free.
Skullcap Botanical Profile
Meet the delicate North American plant behind Skullcap and explore the botanical characteristics that distinguish Scutellaria lateriflora.
Common Name:
Skullcap
Scientific Name:
Scutellaria lateriflora
Plant Family:
Lamiaceae
Plant Type:
Herbaceous perennial
Part Used:
Dried aerial parts
Native Range:
North America
Botanical Character:
Skullcap is a slender herbaceous plant with branching stems, opposite leaves and small, distinctive flowers that appear along the upper portions of the plant.
Flowers:
Small blue to violet, two-lipped flowers with the characteristic form associated with the Scutellaria genus.
Leaves:
Opposite green leaves with toothed margins, typically becoming narrower toward the upper parts of the plant.
Natural Habitat:
Commonly associated with moist environments such as wet meadows, marshy areas, stream margins and damp woodland edges.
Traditional Context:
Scutellaria lateriflora has a long history within North American herbal traditions, where the dried aerial parts have been prepared in a variety of traditional botanical preparations.
Preparation Style:
The dried herb can be steeped in freshly boiled water to prepare a traditional herbal infusion commonly known as Skullcap tea.
BOTANICAL PREPARATION
How to Prepare Skullcap Tea
Dried Skullcap Herb can be prepared as a simple herbal infusion. A covered steep allows the dried botanical to infuse gently in hot water before being strained and enjoyed on its own or as part of a botanical blend.
STEP 1
Measure the Skullcap
Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried Skullcap Herb for each cup of water.
STEP 2
Add Freshly Boiled Water
Place the Skullcap in a cup or teapot and pour freshly boiled water over the dried herb.
STEP 3
Cover & Steep
Cover and allow the Skullcap to steep for 10–15 minutes, giving the dried herb time to infuse into the water.
STEP 4
Strain & Serve
Strain the dried herb completely from the infusion and pour into your cup. Enjoy as prepared or add complementary ingredients according to taste.
Start with a lighter infusion when first exploring Skullcap, then adjust the amount of dried herb or steeping time according to your preferred flavour.
THE MEADOW KITCHEN
Simple Ways to Explore Skullcap
Skullcap has a mild, earthy and gently herbaceous character that makes it lovely to explore alongside softer florals, fresh citrus, warming spice and naturally sweet ingredients. Try these four botanical recipes as inspiration for enjoying Skullcap beyond the everyday cup.
Skullcap, Pear & Vanilla Infusion
Soft pear and a hint of vanilla create a delicate, gently fragrant cup around Skullcap’s earthy botanical character.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried Skullcap Herb
- 3–4 thin slices fresh pear
- A small piece of vanilla bean or a drop of vanilla extract
- 1 cup freshly boiled water
- Honey, optional
Method
Place the Skullcap and pear in a cup or small teapot. Pour over freshly boiled water, cover and steep for 10–15 minutes. Strain, add the vanilla and finish with a little honey if desired.
Skullcap, Chamomile & Honey Cup
Golden chamomile and a touch of honey soften Skullcap’s herbaceous flavour to create a beautifully simple floral botanical blend.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried Skullcap Herb
- 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers
- 1 cup freshly boiled water
- Honey, to taste
Method
Combine the Skullcap and chamomile in a teapot. Pour over freshly boiled water, cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain, allow to cool slightly and stir in honey to taste.
Skullcap, Blueberry & Lemon Cooler
Juicy blueberries and fresh lemon transform Skullcap into a bright botanical cooler designed to be served over plenty of ice.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried Skullcap Herb
- ¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1–2 slices fresh lemon
- 1 cup freshly boiled water
- Ice
- Honey, optional
Method
Steep the Skullcap in freshly boiled water for 10–15 minutes, then strain and allow to cool completely. Gently crush the blueberries in a glass, add the cooled infusion and lemon, then pour over plenty of ice. Add a little honey if desired.
Skullcap, Cardamom & Rose Cup
Fragrant rose and aromatic cardamom create an elegant botanical infusion with layers of floral, earthy and gently spiced flavour.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried Skullcap Herb
- 1 teaspoon dried rose petals
- 2 green cardamom pods, lightly crushed
- 1 cup freshly boiled water
- Honey, optional
Method
Combine the Skullcap, rose petals and lightly crushed cardamom pods in a teapot. Pour over freshly boiled water, cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain thoroughly and add a little honey if desired.
Skullcap’s understated herbal character makes it an interesting base for experimentation. Begin with simple combinations, then explore fruit, florals and gentle spices to discover the botanical pairings you enjoy most.
GOOD TO KNOW
Questions About Skullcap
Looking for more information about Skullcap? Explore answers to common questions about buying, identifying, storing and using dried Scutellaria lateriflora at home.
-
Dried Skullcap Herb (Scutellaria lateriflora) is available online from Flowers from my Meadow in South Africa. Our Skullcap is supplied in a 20 g resealable pouch and can be ordered directly through this product page for delivery within South Africa.
-
This product is Scutellaria lateriflora, commonly known as American Skullcap. It is botanically different from Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), and the two should not be treated as interchangeable botanicals.
-
Dried Skullcap consists of cut dried aerial plant material, typically showing a natural mixture of muted green to brown leaf and stem pieces. As a minimally processed botanical, colour, texture and cut may vary naturally between batches.
-
Yes. From a flavour and preparation perspective, Skullcap can be used on its own or combined with complementary botanicals to create loose herbal blends. The Meadow Kitchen above includes several ideas for exploring different flavour combinations.
-
No. Skullcap is not made from traditional tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), so a pure Skullcap herbal infusion is naturally caffeine-free.
-
Keep the pouch securely sealed and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat and moisture. Good storage helps protect the natural colour, aroma and character of the dried botanical.
-
Skullcap may cause drowsiness in some people. Use caution when combining it with alcohol, sedative medicines or other products that may cause drowsiness. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless advised by an appropriate healthcare professional. If you take medication or manage a medical condition, seek professional guidance before using herbal preparations.
-
Each pouch contains 20 g of dried Skullcap Herb. Because dried botanicals naturally vary in leaf size, stem content and density, the volume of plant material may differ slightly between batches even though the packed weight remains 20 g.
Still have a question?
We’re always happy to help. If there’s something you’d like to know about Skullcap, its preparation or how to use it, get in touch with us.
Ask Us a QuestionOUR QUALITY PROMISE
Botanicals, Kept Pure & Uncomplicated
We believe beautiful botanicals need very little interference. Our approach is simple: thoughtfully selected plant material, careful handling and honest information about what you’re bringing into your home.
Thoughtfully Selected
Botanicals chosen with attention to quality, appearance and suitability for their intended use.
Carefully Handled
Handled and packed with care to help preserve the natural character of each botanical.
Pure & Uncomplicated
Simple botanicals without unnecessary additions, presented as close to their natural form as possible.
Packed in South Africa
Carefully packed by Flowers from my Meadow in South Africa.
From our meadow to your home, with care.
CONTINUE YOUR BOTANICAL JOURNEY
There's More to Discover in the Meadow
From individual botanicals to handcrafted tea blends, continue exploring the plants, preparations and everyday rituals of Flowers from my Meadow.
Explore Botanicals
LOOSE-LEAF TEA
Discover Our Botanical Teas
Explore handcrafted loose-leaf blends created from thoughtfully selected botanicals, flowers and herbs.
FLOWERS FROM MY MEADOW
Wander Through the Apothecary
Discover more botanical preparations, traditional favourites and simple plant-led rituals from our meadow.
