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
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