SKULLCAP
This North American perennial grows in wet places throughout Canada and the northern and eastern U.S. as well as in other parts of the world, such as southeast Asia. The fibrous, yellow rootstock produces a branching stem from 1-3 feet high, with opposite, ovate, serrate leaves that come to a point. Skullcap's two-lipped flowers are pale purple or blue. Skullcap by itself or in conjunction with valerian root makes an ideal sedative for nervous muscle spasms, twitches and general convulsions. Three capsules of each herb should be taken every 4 hours for the worst cases, less, of course, for minor symptoms. Either 1-1/2 cups of warm tea every couple of hours or 1/2 cup, as the case may be. In 1 pt. of boiling water simmer 1 tbsp. cut, dried valerian root on low heat, covered, for 3 minutes. Then add 2 tsp. of cut, dried skullcap herb, cover again, and simmer an additional 1-1/2 minutes., before removing from heat entirely and steeping 40 minutes longer. Skullcap is one of the best nourishing tonics for the nervous system. Skullcap is rich in minerals necessary for a healthy nervous system, and is greatly strengthening and supportive during stressful times. Skullcap is a wonderful remedy for all states of nervous tension, for headaches, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, neurasthenia, exhaustion and depression. Its antispasmodic action is useful for twitching or ' jerking muscles, trembling, epilepsy - both petit and grand mal - as well as heart palpitations. Skullcap is well worth using to aid withdrawal from orthodox tranquilizers and antidepressants, and is excellent when combined with hormone balancing herbs such as chaste tree or false unicorn root for PMS. Skullcap also acts as an anti-inflammatory herb, and can be used for arthritis, particularly where it is aggravated by stress. Skullcap is also said to reduce fevers, to enhance the digestion and to stimulate liver function, due to the presence of bitters. Skullcap was used traditionally in North America to treat bites of poisonous insects and snakes, and for rabies, as well as to quiet sexual over-excitement and relieve menstrual cramps. PARTS USED Aerial parts, root. USES Native American cure - The Cherokee used skullcap to stimulate menstruation, relieve breast pain, and encourage expulsion of the placenta. 19th-century remedy - The Physiomedicalists (followers of a 19th-century Anglo-American school of herbal medicine) first discovered skullcap's use as a nervine. They recognized that it has a "deeper" action on the nervous system than any other herb and used it for hysteria, epilepsy, convulsions, and rabies, as well as for serious, mental illnesses such as schizophrenia.Current uses - Today, skullcap is taken mainly as a nerve tonic and for its restorative properties. Skullcap helps to support and nourish the nervous system, and calms and relieves stress and anxiety. Its antispasmodic action makes it useful for conditions where stress and worry cause muscular tension. Skullcap is often prescribed on its own or mixed with other sedative herbs, to treat insomnia and skullcap is also given to relieve menstrual pain. Research into skullcap is sorely needed and may reveal more uses for this valuable herb. Other medical uses - Addictions, Temporomandibular joint syndrome or disorder / TMJ (TMD).
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