This dry powdered extract also contains Iridoids, flavonoids, volatile oil and tannins.

Psychoactive Herbs posts this curious disclaimer on their site: “Products are sold for Ethnobotanical research. (Not for Human Consumption)!!!” Apparently, all of their products are sold under the auspices of being intended for Shamanic, ritualistic practices. While we have nothing against Shamanism, it seems a curious position to take.

Skullcap is native to North America, but is now widely cultivated in Europe and other areas of the world. It has been used for over two hundred years as a mild relaxant and has long been hailed as an effective therapy for anxiety, nervous tension, and convulsions. Because of its calming effects on the nervous and musculoskeletal system, it was also at one time considered to be a remedy for rabies, thus its name "mad dog weed." It was well known among the Cherokee as a strong female medicinal herb, used in some tribes as a ceremonial plant to introduce young girls into womanhood.

• The customer can purchase 500 grams of Skullcap powder extract for around $140.00
• Psychoactive Herbs sells all sort of interesting herbal extracts

• This product may not be appropriate for the average consumer
• They do not post any customer reviews
• Some individuals are unknowingly allergic to tannins

Skullcap is often combined with Hops for an effective supplement with a mildly soporific effect. Hops have nervine, diuretic and anodyne properties. Hops are believed to improve the appetite and promote sleep. It is a plant that has been thought to have sedative properties for hundreds of years, among various groups of diverse peoples all over the world. Many formulas also include Valerian, an herb also known for its supposed sedative effect. In both allopathic and complementary medicine Valerian is employed for insomnia, reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood.

While supplements made from Hops, Skullcap and Valerian are often used by healthy adults who suffer from occasional insomnia, they are probably not an effective option for individuals who frequently experience anxiety-induced insomnia, tearfulness associated with PMS and menopause and affective disorders such as depression. For these ailments, which can be serious, debilitating, even life-threatening, we would encourage the consumer to look for a product made with the mineral form of lithium. Lithium Orotate is adept at penetrating the blood-brain barrier, researchers say; and if this is the case it is a tremendous boon for persons who suffer from crippling anxiety and severe depression. Healthy adults who are reporting increased anxiety, inability to sleep, and occasional mild to moderate depression associated with aging are turning toward natural alternatives to antidepressants and sedatives. The natural form of lithium may be a safe and appropriate choice for these individuals.