Interactions with drugs: none known. Given its purported mechanism of action, it is wise to avoid skullcap when taking other CNS depressants, particularly alcohol and benzodiazepine anxiolytics.

Interactions with other herbs: may interact with other herbs with sedating properties such as Yan hu suo (Corydalis spp), wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), passion flower (Passiflora incarnata), kava (Piper methysticum), Jamaican dogwood (Piscidia erythrina). May interact with other herbs with antispasmodic and relaxant properties, such as wild yam (Dioscoria spp), lobelia (Lobelia inflata), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), kava (Piper methysticum), lime flowers (Tilia spp), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), and cramp bark (Viburnum opulus). May have additive effects with other nervine tonics such as oat straw (Avena officinalis), St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca), vervain (Verbena officinalis), and Indian ginseng (Withania somniferum).12