s. ovata

skullcap

skullcap

Strong popular medicinal herb. Small plant, 6-18” high. Blue/lavender flowers. In mint family- hairy, square stems, opposite leaves, heartshaped at the base with scalloped edges. Seed pods at base of each leaf. Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic. Used for mental disorders, anxiety, nervous conditions, hysteria, delirium, epilepsy, drug withdrawal, headaches, sleep problems, bacteria, viruses, hepatitis, lowers blood pressure, diuretic,. Induces menstruation, do not take if pregnant. Make sure you have the right kind, there are over 350 species and they are not all the same. Some are toxic.