As valerian is a warming herb, it can negatively affect itchy dogs, dogs that suffer from hot spots, or are generally ‘hot’ tempered. To counter the warming effects of valerian, many dog-specific supplements also include ‘cool’ herbs to balance them out. It has been shown in studies that wearing American skullcaps can boost mood and alleviate anxiety symptoms. According to a study involving 43 people, those who received 1,050 mg of American skullcap daily for two weeks reported an increase in mood compared to placebo users. Herbal Extract Found To Lower Blood Pressure Chinese skullcap has also been associated with lung complications, and other types — including the American variety — may cause side effects like irregular heartbeat, tics, anxiety, drowsiness, and mental confusion in some people ( 22, 23).

While valerian is considered a safe herb to give your dog, there are possible side effects just with any other medicine. So if your dog shows any of the following signs, discontinue the supplements immediately;Classed as a nervine, valerian has a calming effect on the nervous system and strengthens and tones it. Available in powder, capsule, and tincture supplement forms, it’s found in many over-the-counter calming remedies designed for anxious dogs. What you should know about herbal medicine

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the species of skullcap plant in question. Some skullcap plants are known to be toxic to humans and animals, while others are not. If you are unsure about the toxicity of a particular skullcap plant, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming it. Can You Overdose On Skullcap?

While you can use tinctures, powders, or supplements, it’s always better to get medical advice or use dog-specific supplements. But as a general rule dosage for powdered valerian root is approximately four milligrams for every pound of weight. Skullcap stimulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm nerves, and it is also thought to help reduce anxiety. It is well-known that this plant was used in traditional medicine to treat insomnia and anxiety. Is Chinese Skullcap Safe For Brain Health? Scullcap: Contains a number of valuable compounds including those which bind to the GABA receptor and reduce anxiety. The dried roots of this plant have been used for centuries as a traditional Chinese medicine known as Huang Qin to treat diarrhea, insomnia, dysentery, high blood pressure, hemorrhaging, respiratory infections, and inflammation ( 1).