A member of the Mint family (Lamiaciae), this fragrant herb is known as a nervine in botanical medicine terms. A nervine is any herb that has an affinity for nerve tissue, nerve signals, and nerve nutrition. Some nervines are energy enhancing, like Coffee and Green Tea! Others are relaxing like Chamomile, Lemon Balm, and Lavender. Whole herbs have many properties that allow it to work in different areas of the body. Herbal combinations are used to enhance certain properties over others.

American Skullcap, one of many Scutellaria species, has bitter and cooling properties. It is a sedative nervine at high doses, and a calming nervine in lower doses. It is also indicated for the following:

• Nervous Fear
• Mania and Hysteria
• Restless Sleep and Insomnia
• Mental and Physical Exhaustion
• Cardiac Irritability and Spasms
• Muscle spasms
• Dull Frontal Headaches
• Headaches at the base of the Skull
• Symptoms that are worse with Noise, Odors, and Light
• Symptoms that are better with rest

In combination with other remedies and treatments, it can be used to release restrictions in the body that cause the above symptoms.

Irritability can also come when the histamine level is high, and one constituent of Skullcap acts like an antihistamine much like quercetin, nature's antihistamine!

To quote the Bontanica Poetica: Herbs in Verse by Sylvia Seroussi, MD

If you were bit by a rabid dog
And were not feeling great
This biter tasting herb
You'd absolutely take
Or if perhaps of alcohol
You needed to be through
And you felt rather shaky
Skullcap would be for you
Her's the classic nervine
(That means it acts on people's nerves)
Brings on calm and makes serene
Your restlessness to curb
For neuralgia and sciatica
But do not overuse
Scutellaria Lateriflora
Can make you giddy and confused
But if you cannot sleep
Overwrought with stimulation
It's tinctures and its teas
Will bring you relaxation

Thank you Sylvia!