Science Validates Traditional Herb for Sleep

There are many important traditional herbs for calming and sleep. A new study has put the science behind the tradition for this sleep herb.

Skullcap has an important history as a versatile and effective nervine. It has been used for stress, tension, anxiety and insomnia and is often taken throughout the day to prepare you to ease into a good night’s sleep.

This new double-blind study gave 66 people with moderate insomnia either a placebo or 400mg of skullcap extract standardized for 10% baicalin for 56 days.

While insomnia scores continued to get significantly worse on placebo, they improved significantly on skullcap when measured on the Pittsburgh sleep quality index.

Sleep onset latency, the time taken to fall asleep, was significantly shorter in the skullcap group. Sleep efficiency, the amount of time spent asleep, was significantly higher in the skullcap group. The people in the herb group also slept significantly longer.

Since there were no adverse events, this study supports the traditional claim that skullcap is a safe, effective way to help you sleep.

Nutrients. April 2025;17(9):1491.

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For much more on improving sleep naturally, see our book The Family Naturopathic Encyclopedia.

For much more on skullcap, see our book Healthy Herbs: Your Everyday Guide to Medicinal Herbs and Their Use.

For comprehensive natural help with your health, including sleep health, make an appointment to see Linda Woolven now. Linda’s clinic is now open for in person and virtual appointments.

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