Can’t turn off your racing mind at night? Feel like you’re constantly running on high alert? Skullcap might be exactly what your nervous system needs. This episode dives deep into one of the most beloved herbs for nervous system support, exploring its rich history from Native American medicine to Victorian-era Eclectic Physicians, and how it’s used in clinical herbalism today.

Chris and Mel share the fascinating ways Skullcap has been used throughout history. From menstrual support to snake bites, and why the Eclectic Physicians insisted on using it with fresh herb preparations.

You’ll discover why this herb is perfect for busy minds that can’t switch off, how to grow your own (it’s easier than you think!), the importance of proper botanical identification, and its astrological connections to the moon, Gemini, and Virgo. Whether you’re dealing with caffeine jitters, work burnout, or those 3am thought spirals, this episode will help you understand why Skullcap has earned its reputation as a go-to nervine for the overwhelmed and overstimulated.

What’s in this episode:

• Native American and historical uses of Skullcap
• How Victorian Eclectic Physicians used Skullcap for women’s hysteria and men’s burnout
• Why fresh is best: The importance of fresh tincture or freeze-dried preparation
• Clinical uses today: Racing mind, burnout, caffeine jitters, and nervous system restoration
• Skullcap for menstrual support and menopause irritability
• The critical importance of botanical names and avoiding adulteration
• Growing Skullcap at home: Tips, harvesting, and companion planting
• Astrological connections: Moon, Gemini, Virgo, and crown chakra
• Energetics and the Skullcap personality

Herbal Terms in This Episode

Trophorestorative: An herb that nourishes and restores a body system to normal function over time, especially after depletion.
Nervine: A plant that supports, calms, or tones the nervous system.
Antispasmodic: Helps reduce involuntary muscle spasms (digestive, uterine, or nervous system).
Diaphoretic: Helps the body release heat through sweating.
Energetics: The subtle qualities of an herb (warming, cooling, grounding, uplifting, etc.) and how they interact with a person’s constitution.

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript: eclecticherb.com/podcast/skullcap-herb-of-the-month

Ready to experience Skullcap for yourself?
Visit eclecticherb.com to explore freeze-dried Skullcap capsules that preserve the volatile compounds and medicinal benefits of the fresh plant. Get Skullcap here: https://eclecticherb.com/products/skullcap
Connect with us @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more herbal wisdom.

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Sagittarius season is all about expansion, adventure, and following that inner spark that wants to grow. In this episode, Chris and Mel explore the spirited, fire-driven energy of Sagittarius and the herbs that best support this season. You'll learn why rosemary has long been tied to travelers, students, memory, protection, and courage, along with practical ways to work with it both physically and energetically.

You'll also hear companion herbs that round out Sagittarius season, including turmeric for sustainable fire, garlic for boundary-setting protection, and aronia berry for endurance. Whether you're a Sagittarius yourself or just feeling the call to stretch beyond your comfort zone, this episode offers grounding herbal insight, nourishing rituals, and journaling prompts to help you move into the season with clarity and intention.

What's in this episode:

• What makes Sagittarius energy unique
• Behind the brave face: the deeper emotional world of Sagittarians
• Why Rosemary is the perfect herbal match for Sag season
• Rosemary for memory, circulation, digestion, and skin health
• Using rosemary for spiritual cleansing and home rituals
• Journaling prompts for growth and self-reflection
• Companion herbs: turmeric, garlic, and aronia berry
• Freeze-dried herbal allies for seasonal support
• Closing thoughts and how to connect with us
  

🌿 Herbal Terms in This Episode:

Carminative: An herb that helps relieve gas, bloating, and digestive cramping by relaxing the digestive tract
Astro-herbalism: The practice of connecting astrological energies with complementary herbs and plants
Fire sign: In astrology, signs associated with energy, passion, and action (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)

For full show notes, resources, links and to download the transcript: eclecticherb.com/blogs/news/sagittarius-season-rosemary

Ready to explore Sagittarius season herbs? Visit eclecticherb.com to find freeze-dried Rosemary here: eclecticherb.com/products/rosemary or grab your Turmeric, Garlic, and Aronia Berry capsules.

Connect with us @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for more herbal wisdom and astrology insights.

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Meet Chris Alstat, owner of Eclectic Herb, and herbal educator Mel Mutterspaugh, two herbalists who found each other through their shared love of plants and are finally sitting down to do what they've talked about for years: share stories, wisdom, and a whole lot of herbal passion.

In this episode, you'll get to hear from Chris as she shares about her Japanese heritage, the influence her mother's garden had on her childhood, the health crisis that changed everything, and how a chance meeting in Tokyo led her to Eclectic Herb, a 40+ year legacy of organic, freeze-dried herbal supplements rooted in the Eclectic Physicians tradition. Mel shares the moment Lungwort Lichen literally appeared at her feet during every coughing fit from bronchitis.

You'll hear why they're both obsessed with nervous system herbs right now (hello stress), what it means when plants speak to you, and the one piece of advice they each give over and over. This is science-rooted herbal education wrapped in friendship, stories, and a whole lot of plant nerdery.

What's in this episode:

• Why Mel and Chris started this podcast and what you can expect
• Astrological profiles: How earth and air signs shape their herbal practice
• Early plant memories: From Japanese gardens to backpacking trails
• Chris's path to owning Eclectic Herb via healing crisis and chance meeting
• Current favorites herbs: Milky Oats for chronic stress and Tulsi for daily balance
• When plants speak: Lungwort and Chestnut Bud appearing exactly when needed
• The most important herb advice: Trust the plants & find what works for YOUR body
• What's coming: Victorian herbal history, astrology, expert interviews

Herbal Terms in This Episode:

• Trophorestorative: An herb that nourishes and restores a body system or tissue to normal functionality over time (like Milky Oats for the nervous system)
• Doctrine of Signatures: A traditional concept suggesting 'like treats like'—the color, shape, or texture of a plant can hint at its medicinal uses (like Lungwort Lichen for lung conditions)

We'd love to hear from you!

What early plant memories shaped your relationship with herbalism?

Have you ever felt guided by a plant or "nudged" toward a remedy intuitively?

Full show notes & transcript: eclecticherb.com/blogs/eclectic-herbal-wisdom

Explore Eclectic Herb's freeze-dried supplements at eclecticherb.com. Share your stories and follow @eclecticherb on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

Text Us & Let Us Know How You Liked The Show!