Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) 

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) is a well respected North American medicinal herb that is an excellent remedy for anxiety, stress, headaches, exhaustion, and depression. It is known as a healing tonic for the central nervous system and can be particularly beneficial in providing relief for nerve pain, nervous tension, muscle cramps, twitches, tics, and spasms.

It is also helpful for Parkinson’s disease, shingles, neuralgia, sciatica, epilepsy, migraines, PMS, and menopause. Skullcap has potent anti-inflammatory properties and can help to stop histamine production which is often the cause of swelling and discomfort in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and fibromyalgia.

Skullcap is known to help lower blood pressure and support the cardiovascular system. It is also a good natural remedy for insomnia as it helps to induce sleep without strongly sedating the body, so that you can still wake up fresh and clear-minded the next morning. Skullcap tea can be made by steeping 2 tsp of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for at least 15 minutes, strain and sweeten with raw honey if desired.

Please also be aware that there are 2 forms of skullcap; American and Chinese. Skullcap (American), as described here, has entirely different healing properties than the Chinese skullcap, so make sure you are getting the correct type of skullcap when purchasing your herb. Skullcap (American) can be found in tincture, capsule, extract, and tea form online or at your local health food store.