Despite the rather ominous sounding name, skullcap has been used for centuries by herbalists as an effective nerve tonic and sedative. Skullcap herb is an amazing plant for stress, tension, anxiety, nervousness, panic attacks, pain, and insomnia.

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Botanical Name – Scutellaria lateriflora

Common Name – American Skullcap

Family – Lamiaceae

Parts Used – Flowers, Leaves, Stems

Energetics – Bitter, Cool

Plant Properties – Anodyne, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Calm, Emmenagogue, Hypotensive, Nervine, Parturient, Sedative

Plant Uses – Stress, Anxiety, Pain, Muscle Spasms, Insomnia, Panic Attacks, Seizures, Twitching, Teething

Plant Preparation – Tea, Tincture, Smoking, Massage Oil

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Skullcap Tea

Ingredients

1-2 teaspoons of organic skullcap herb to suit your taste
1 cup hot, but not boiling, water

Direction

1. Bring water to a low boil. Turn off heat, and add the skullcap herb.
2. Cover with a lid to preserve essential oils from escaping.
3. Steep for five to 10 minutes depending on how strong you like your tea. The longer you steep skullcap, the more benefits you may receive. Strain and drink warm.

Where to buy Skullcap? HERE

Skullcap Massage Oil

Ingredients

2 cups flowering skullcap tops
1/2 cup jojoba oil (or other oil less costly)
1/2 cup sweet almond oil (or more to cover)

Directions

Combine ingredients in a quart jar and cover loosely with several layers of cheesecloth. Allow mixture to stand in a warm place for three weeks. Heat jar in a pan of warm water for 15 minutes to liquefy oil, and then strain.

Caution: As always, you may want to start using skullcap under the guidance of a holistic medicine practitioner, and use it in moderation. Skullcap side effects are rare and it is considered a safe herb that can be used by most people.  But if your are pregnant or nursing, please consult your doctor.