Skullcap is calmative to the nervous and muscular systems and offers some tonic properties. By controlling nervous irritability and muscular incoordination, it gives rest and permits sleep. When insomnia is due to worry or nervous irritability or even exhaustion, Dr. Felter says relief may be expected.
According to the Wild Rose College of Natural Healing, skullcap's major influence is on the central and sympathetic nervous systems. Traditionally, skullcap has been used for many purposes including neuralgia, insomnia, excitability, restlessness, rickets, headaches, hiccoughs, incessant coughing, hypertension and nervous disorders. It has antispasmodic, nervine, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties. Skullcap has no toxicity.