If you've come across an herb called skullcap—or scullcap—and wondered what it is, you're not alone. Skullcap isn't as familiar as herbs like chamomile or peppermint, but it has a long history of traditional herbal use in North America.
There are also several plants called skullcap, which can make shopping for the herb confusing.
At Life Essentials Refillery, the skullcap we carry is American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), grown in the United States and sold loose by the ounce.
Here's what to know before adding it to your herbal pantry.
What Is Skullcap?
Skullcap is the common name given to plants in the Scutellaria genus.
The American skullcap commonly used in herbal preparations is Scutellaria lateriflora. It is native to North America and has a long history of traditional botanical use.
The dried aerial portions of the plant can be steeped in hot water to make herbal tea or combined with other herbs in loose-leaf blends.
Is It Skullcap or Scullcap?
You may see the herb spelled skullcap or scullcap.
Both spellings are used, although skullcap is the more common modern spelling.
So if you've been searching for scullcap tea or scullcap herb, you're likely looking for the same herb commonly labeled skullcap.
What Does Skullcap Taste Like?
Skullcap has a distinctly herbal, earthy and slightly bitter flavor.
Because of that bitterness, some people prefer combining skullcap with other loose herbs rather than drinking it alone.
That's one of the advantages of buying herbs individually: you can experiment with different combinations and adjust the amount of each herb to suit your taste.
How Do You Make Skullcap Tea?
Making a simple cup of skullcap tea is similar to preparing many other loose herbs.
Use approximately:
1–2 teaspoons dried skullcap
8 ounces hot water
Pour the hot water over the herb, cover and steep for approximately 5–10 minutes.
Strain before drinking.
You can adjust the amount of skullcap or steeping time depending on how strong you prefer your herbal tea.
American Skullcap vs. Chinese Skullcap
This distinction is important.
American skullcap and Chinese skullcap are related, but they are not the same plant.
American skullcap is generally identified as:
Scutellaria lateriflora
Chinese skullcap is generally identified as:
Scutellaria baicalensis
They also aren't necessarily used in the same way or sold in the same plant form.
This is why we recommend looking at the botanical name when purchasing herbs rather than relying only on the common name.
The skullcap sold at Life Essentials Refillery is Scutellaria lateriflora—American skullcap.
Why Buy Loose Skullcap?
Buying skullcap loose gives you more flexibility than purchasing pre-portioned tea bags.
You can buy the amount you actually need, adjust the strength of your tea and combine skullcap with other loose herbs to create your own botanical blends.
At Life Essentials Refillery, our American skullcap is sold by the ounce, so you don't have to purchase a large package just to try it.
Where Can I Buy Skullcap in Tampa?
If you're looking for skullcap or scullcap in Tampa, you can find American Skullcap at Life Essentials Refillery in South Tampa.
Life Essentials Refillery
4317 W El Prado Blvd
Tampa, FL 33629
Our skullcap is:
- American Skullcap
- Scutellaria lateriflora
- Grown in the United States
- Sold loose by the ounce
You can shop in South Tampa or order online.
Explore More Loose Herbs
Skullcap is just one of the loose herbs available at Life Essentials Refillery. We carry a wide selection of herbs, teas and spices that can be purchased by the ounce, making it easy to try something new without committing to a large package.
Whether you're building your herbal pantry or simply curious about an herb you've never tried before, buying loose lets you start with exactly the amount you need.