Avena Botanicals Skullcap eases occasional stress and tension. Supports healthy memory and the immune system.*
We continue to expand the Skullcap garden beds in our Biodynamic gardens as more people value Skullcap's diverse healing gifts. This non-aromatic, mildly bitter-tasting mint family plant helps ground and soothe occasional tension and stress, ease the mind, and relax the body. A common and well-loved plant with a deep affinity for the human nervous system, Skullcap cools and welcomes real restoration and ease, brings balance to the heart and mind, and fosters a feeling of harmony and peace.
Herbalists rely on this slightly bitter and mildly aromatic plant to support people living in a fast-paced world. So often, stress and tension build in the body in a way that interrupts digestion, rest, and metabolic function. Skullcap helps to encourage flow and soften when we have energetic constrictions or feel restless, encouraging a healthy sense of relaxation to muscles and easing a tired and wired mind. Skullcap can be used as desired in the moment or long-term for deeper support.
Garden Notes: Several beds of vibrant green American Skullcap grow in our Biodynamic gardens. We harvest Skullcap plants by hand just as they come into flower and immediately tincture them in organic alcohol. The name Skullcap refers to the tiny cap-like buds that fairies have been known to wear to sleep.
Taste / Energetics: cooling, calming, bitter, slightly sweet.
Actions: antispasmodic, nervine tonic, relaxing nervine, bitter.
When to reach for it: You're feeling fried (hot and spent). You're wired and tired. During occasional menstrual and menopausal stress. To support long-term nervous system health. When traveling. In the evenings or when you get home for the day. Sitting in traffic. When the belly is feeling nervous or tight after a tense or stressful day.
Botanical Name: Scutellaria lateriflora
Part Used: Fresh leaves and flowers
Ingredients: Certified Biodynamic and Organic Skullcap, Certified Organic Pure Grain Alcohol, Springwater
Suggested Use: Add 20 drops (1ml) to 1oz of water 3 times/ day or as discussed by your healthcare provider.
Avena Botanicals values simplicity and the traditional ways of hand-crafting herbal products. They use simple tabletop tools instead of large, mechanized machines and they do not mass-manufacture.
This holistic and spiritually alive system of organic agriculture enlivens the soil, water, and plants along with the soul, spirit, and consciousness of humans. Biodynamic preparations and practices create herbal products that can benefit body, mind, and spirit and connect individuals to the source of their sustenance.
Since their inception in 1985, they have used no synthetic ingreidents, additives, or solvents of any kind in their herbal products or farming practices. Their on-site production facility only uses 100% biodegradable cleaning supplies.
Avena's products are produced on-site in their custom-built facility. You can take an herb walk through their gardens in the summer, while seeing smellIing baskets of herbs and flowers going into the facility, it doesn't get any more local than this.
Creating gentle, organic, high-quality herbal products that promote good health is their goal. They produce their products in small batches to ensure that their freshness and efficacy meet their high standards.
Avena's gardens are open to the public for a few select events each year. They are a peaceful sanctuary for people (and pollinators) to enjoy, learn in, and experience the gifts of nature. They host a handful of herb walks, classes, and retreats each summer, often accompanied by refreshing botanical sun tea.
These values remain constant in their thoughts, words, and actions. They care deeply about the health and well-being of the people and plants they serve and take extra care as they harvest the herbs and create products.
Despite the modern world's technological advances, many people around our planet remain unhappy and disconnected from nature. Avena's peaceful gardens, retreats, and hand-crafted herbal products assist people seeking to live in harmony with nature and with the spirit that connects all living beings.
They aim to create a working environment that embodies balance, health, and wellness. They ring a bell at noon for any staff who chooses to stop and meditate for 5-10 minutes. Their weekly staff meetings are held outdoors in summer and in a room overlooking the garden in winter. As a staff, they share yummy potlucks, birthday cakes, inspiring books, and garden walks.
Avena Botanicals is the first Demeter Certified Biodynamic farm in Maine. Biodynamic agriculture is a holistic and spiritually alive system of organic and ecological practices and philosophies based on the teachings of Dr. Rudolf Steiner. One of the core beliefs and practices of Biodynamic agriculture is to help heal the Earth.
Their hand-gathered herbs come into Avena's drying rooms and are immediately weighed and laid onto large screens. Most of these herbs are grown in Avena's three-acre gardens. They also collect a few herbs from nearby islands and meadows.
Over five hundred pounds of fresh, hand-gathered herbs come into Avena's apothecary annually and are thoughtfully prepared into herbal tinctures, elixirs, glycerites, and oils. Over 70% of these herbs come directly from Avena's Demeter Certified Biodynamic gardens. Their herbs are fresh, aromatic, sweet, bitter, pungent, and beautiful.
Avena's gardens have been purposefully planted with protective hedgerows and flowering plants that offer nectar and pollen to dozens of pollinators. Shimmering ruby-throated hummingbirds and various butterflies, honey bees and native bees fill their gardens with an array of colors, sounds, and personalities. The presence of pollinators fills hearts with joy and gratitude.
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
