My beautiful skullcap is exploding all over one of my garden beds and I finally have enough to share and if you, like me, suffer from seasonal affective disorder, racing circular thoughts, anxiety or depression, this is an herb you should pay attention to. My experience is my own, but when I see real results with herbal medicine, particularly for mental health issues, I feel compelled to share what I know and how it might help others.

Skullcap is a nervine and a mild relaxant, and it is commonly used to treat anxiety, nervous tension, and improves general mood. It’s thought skullcap stimulates gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps sooth nerves.

Skullcap is also an anti-inflammatory and studies have shown that it may lessen allergic reactions, and that its antioxidant properties protect cells from free radicals, and may be useful in fighting certain cancers and heart disease.

Incredibly it has also shown promise in preventing neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Add its use as an antispasmodic and some of the symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal and we’re talking about an impressive plant that seems to really want to be an ally for people who are going through tough shit. That antispasmodic activity means that it eases period cramps and can help a sluggish period flow. And while we’re singing its praises, it can also help you get better sleep, which you probably need because this is the stressed out world we live in.

I like taking it with my calm tincture in the evening before bed if I’ve had an especially tense day and during the dark winter months, I take it daily.

Recommended dosage for tinctures is 2-4 ml up to 3 times per day.

Ingredients: scutillaria ovata, 80 proof grain alcohol.

**Do not take with tranquilizers or sedatives. Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Consult your physician before taking any herbal remedy and do your own research. Please note that the experience I’m sharing here is mine alone and that I don’t offer medical advice.