Settle Those Nerves! The Calming Effects of Skullcap.

Just By It's Looks...

It's always interesting to me how an herb, often just by the way it looks, gives an idea of what it's good for.

Skullcap is the color of soft twilight, and that's exactly what is needed when our nerves are jangled, and we face another sleepless night.

Skullcap is a member of the mint family, and can be gathered in late summer all through North America, using the flowers, leaves and stems for tincturing or drying.

Skullcap has been used for trouble with sleeping, anxiety,  even stroke paralysys. 

 It can help with:

• Lowering fever
• Epilepsy
• Nervous Tension
• Menopausal Anxieties
• Topical Infections
• Arthritis
• Lowering Blood Pressure
• Lowering Blood Sugar
• Exhaustion
• Diahrehea

It's also considered good for involuntary movements, like you might see in Parkinson's Disease or Restless leg syndrome.

Be aware, it is considered a sedative and can affect your reflexes, just like Valerian Root, or any other muscle relaxant, but one of it's best traits is once it's done its job it is out of your system with no residual tiredness, and you feel better!  It is well known for toning your nerves, and has a cumulative effect.  It increases blood flow to the brain and helps in lowering cholesterol.

Typical doses: 

• Dried herb: About 1 T,  3 times per day in a tea.
• Tincture: 1/2 t. 3X per Day

Side Effects:

"Skullcap may slow down the central nervous system. Healthcare providers worry that anesthesia and other medications during and after surgery might increase this effect. Stop taking skullcap at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery."

Sources:

Herblist

WebMD

Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits conferred by any foods or supplements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.  See Disclaimer.