Scuttelaria lateriflora, also known as Mad Dog Skullcap, is a perennial herb in the mint family reaching up to two and a half feet in height. It has arrow-shaped, serrated leaves with blue to violet flowers, for which it is also called Blue Skullcap. It is frequently found in woodland areas and near riverbeds in most of the United States. There are hundreds of species of skullcap with various medicinal properties. Mad Dog Skullcap is most widely known for its sedative properties, which have been used to alleviate anxiety, insomnia and nervousness. It has also been reportedly used to ease menstrual cramps. It is an ingredient in herbal teas and incense.