Skullcap

Dr. Christopher taught that skullcap is one
of nature’s best nervine agents. It is included in his Relax-Eze formula as the specific ingredient to rebuild the motor nerve. It is extremely effective yet so mild that it can be given to a little child. He said that it is as stimulating as quinine but lacks the harmful side and aftereffects. It is especially calming where nervousness results from worry, conflict, disturbances of digestion and circulation. 

This is one of the first herbs to think of when there is muscle twitching, leg twitching, twitching eyelids, etc. It calms restlessness in cases of hysteria, over-excitement combined with insomnia providing soothing and quieting relief as it builds the nerves and helps the brain efficiently send messages to the rest of the
body. 

Skullcap has been used to help people get through withdrawal symptoms from addictive substances. It helps with convulsions, tremors, and lockjaw.

Skullcap has historically been called Maddog weed because it was used as a remedy for hydrophobia or canine rabies. Native American tribes combined skullcap with other herbs and used the tea for diarrhea, to promote menstruation, as a heart medicine, and for flux.

Dr. Christopher made good use of this wonderful herb by including it in many of his formulas. The Ear and Nerve formula which he originally created for epilepsy has skullcap as one of its ingredients. This combination is recommended for rebuilding the nervous system through the ears and many people have reported that it improves hearing, clears up tinnitus, cures their epilepsy, and
topically has healed skin cancer, removed warts, and decreased pain.

His other formulas containing skullcap are Complete Tissue and Bone, BF&C, Relax-Eze, Antispasmodic, Super Garlic Immune, and Cold Sore Relief.

Skullcap is in the mint family and grows in moist shady areas. It gets its name from the Latin word scutella meaning a little dish. The name is given because of the form of the calyx, which is bell-shaped, lipped and peculiarly shaped. This gives reason for the names helmet flower, hood wort, and hooded willow herb
which it is sometimes called. 

Skullcap has been a valued herb and has many uses. It is something to consider when one is in need of a good herb to calm nerves and relieve twitching or involuntary muscle contractions. 

Jo Francks is a Master Herbalist working at the School of Natural Healing.