Blue Skullcap ( Scutellaria lateriflora ) 1 L Container

**Blue Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)** is a gentle yet powerful nervous system ally, traditionally used by Indigenous North American herbalists for calming the mind, easing tension, and supporting emotional balance. It gained wider use in Western herbalism for nervous exhaustion, stress, and overstimulation, especially when the mind feels “wired but tired.”

**Primary actions** include nervine, antispasmodic, mild sedative, and trophorestorative to the nervous system. Blue skullcap is commonly used for anxiety, restlessness, muscle tension, headaches of nervous origin, sleep disturbances, and emotional overwhelm. It is especially helpful when stress manifests as tight muscles, racing thoughts, or irritability.

**Affinities** include the nervous system, muscles, and brain, with a particular relationship to stress-related tension and neurological fatigue.

**Energetically**, blue skullcap is cooling, drying, and relaxing. It gently settles excess heat and stimulation in the nervous system without being overly sedating, making it suitable for both day and night use.

**Contraindications:** Generally considered very safe. Use with caution alongside strong sedatives or alcohol due to its calming effects. Avoid misidentified or adulterated products—true *Scutellaria lateriflora* is key.

**Growth cycle:** Blue skullcap is a perennial mint-family plant that thrives in moist soils and partial sun. It emerges in spring, flowers through summer with its characteristic blue blossoms, and dies back in winter, storing its vitality in the roots before returning the following season.