Skullcap Cut & Sifted Herb (Scutellaria Lateriflora)

Description ShareTweetPinLinkedInPrintEmail Skullcap, aka Mad Dog, Cut & Sifted Herb (Scutellaria Lateriflora) HERB COMMON NAME :  Skullcap HERB SCIENTIFIC NAME :   Scutellaria Lateriflora OTHER NAMES :  Mad Dog, Scullcap, Scull Cap, Skull Cap, Blue Skullcap, Blue Pimpernel, American Skullcap, Hoodwort, Madweed, Virginia Skullcap, Quaker Bonnet, Hoary Skullcap, Downy Skullcap FAMILY :  Lamiaceae ASSOCIATIONS & CORRESPONDENCES : Element: Water Planet: Saturn Day: Monday Direction: West Zodiac Sign: Virgo Chakra: 7th Crown Chakra (Sahasrara) Energy: Yin Gender: Female Rune: Uruz Tarot Card: Star Tarot Spirit Animal: Iguana, Chameleon Sabbat or Holiday: Yule / the Winter Solstice (December 21 – January 1) ; Brigid / Imbolc / Candlemas (February 1-2) Deity or God / Goddess Association: Hera, Oizys (Miseria), Hygieia, Maniae / Manea / Mania, Lyssa, Brigid   Parts Used:  Herb / Aerial, Leaves Description:  Skullcap was well known to Native Americans, who introduced the plant to early European settlers. Although skullcap is often used to produce tinctures and infused oils for cosmetic and other topical preparations, it is most commonly used to make teas, tonics and liquid extracts. Many Skullcap species grow in Europe, but the American herb is the one used in herbalism. It grows all over the United States and southern Canada. Scientific studies are proving Skullcap to be a valuable plant in many areas for mental disorders. It is used in herbalism for a wide range of nervous conditions including depression, hysteria, anxiety, stress, and was once believed to be useful even for schizophrenia. Skullcap can be used long-term for nervous tension with an underlying condition of nervous exhaustion. It relaxes states of nervous tension while at the same time renewing and reviving the central nervous system. A cup of skullcap at the office instead of coffee would do wonders. It makes a good tea for workaholics at the end of the day. For anxiety, consider combining skullcap with vervain. Skullcap is believed to help delirium tremors (DTs), as well as with symptoms of withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers. The infusion is given for nervous headaches, migraines, neuralgia and headache arising from incessant coughing, and general and nerve pain. Skullcap is used for inducing sleep and helping insomnia, without any unpleasant symptoms or hangover. For insomnia, combine skullcap with hops, passionflower, and/or wild lettuce. Skullcap is currently being used in alternative medicine to treat ADD. For ADD / hyperactivity, combine skullcap with passionflower. It is also used to ease symptoms of epilepsy, convulsions, and grand mal seizures. Skullcap was well known among the Cherokee and other Native American tribes as a strong emmenagogue and female herbal remedy. It was used in some tribes as a ceremonial plant to introduce young girls into womanhood. An herbal infusion of skullcap is used to promote menstruation. It should not be given to pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage. An infusion of Skullcap is used to help sore throat and throat infections. Skullcap is also called “mad-dog” because it was once believed to be a treatment for rabies. Historical Uses:  epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, anxiety, stress, nervousness, panic attacks, delirium tremors, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilizers, recovery from addiction, nervous headaches, neuralgia, headache arising from incessant coughing, pain, inducing sleep, sleeplessness, ADD, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, slightly astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, nervine, sedative, strongly tonic, menstrual problems, throat infection, sore throat, rabies, schizophrenia, nervous system relaxant, anticonvulsant, hypotensive, mild bitter, nervous tension, nervous exhaustion, depression, muscular twitching and tremors , grand mal seizures, convulsions, nerve pain, DTs, delirium tremens, addiction, preventing nightmares, migraine, PMS, relaxation, calm, nervous eczema, nervous hives Mystical Attributes:  Skullcap is ritually used to calm the mind and open the way to meditation and it strengthens nervous system energy, which helps power insight. It has been used to induce visions. A tea made from this herb is excellent for preventing nightmares and as a restorative after spiritual or magical assault or recovery from exorcism or other trials. Skullcap is an excellent addition to dream teas. In some traditional medicines, skullcap is combined with vervain. This combination has been recommended as a restorative for any spiritual work. In Hoodoo, skullcap is used in charms for faithfulness and for attracting gifts of money. Skullcap is associated with the deities Mania/Maniae and Lyssa. Mania (or Maniae or Manea) was the Greco-Roman goddess of the dead, ruling the underworld with Mantus, as well as goddess of insanity, madness, crazed frenzy and chaos. She is said to be the mother of ghosts, the undead, and other spirits of the night. She operates closely with Lyssa (or Lytta), the spirit of mad rage and rabies. As such, Skullcap is sometimes used in spells or rituals related to protect from insanity, mental assault, and cruelty, especially in matters of attack in family and intimate relationships. It has also been used historically to counter rabies, which is why it is also known as Mad Dog Weed. Mystical Intentions:  restorative after magical assault or trial, faithfulness, money spells, meditation, calm, concentration, focus, fear, healing, soothing the mind, peace, stress, opening the mind, insight, visions, addiction, sleeping spells, mental clarity, preventing nightmares, grief, dream magic, divination, addiction healing, bliss, centering, comfort, contentment, balancing emotions, happiness, protection from insanity, negative thoughts, optimism, positivity, PTSD, recovery, relief, sobriety, tranquility, uplifting, focusing the mind, fear, bereavement, despair, protection from cruelty, balance Taste & Smell:  Although a part of the mint family, skullcap herb does not taste like mint. It has a bitter, earthy taste that can be tempered by milder herbs like peppermint, meadowsweet or chamomile. The flowers have a sweet aroma that smells like apples. Botany, Cultivation & Harvesting:  Skullcap is a perennial member of the mint family that is native to North America. In contrast to many other mints, this species prefers marshes and other damp places to woodland settings or open fields. Skullcap is rarely grazed on by mammals or fowl, but ring-necked pheasant like the seeds. Skullcap has an upright habit, its maximum height reaching 23 to 32 inches. It is pollinated primarily by bumblebees and can grow from deeply cold zone 3 to hot zone 9. Skullcap is a wetland-loving species. It thrives in proximity to marshes, meadows, and other wet habitats in sunny locations, growing well in any moist garden soil that does not dry out during the growing season. Skullcap root is a creeping short rhizome. The stems are hairy and square, 6 to 18 inches high, branched, with opposite leaves, heart-shaped at the base, ½” to 2-1/2” long, with scalloped or toothed edges. Skullcap’s small blue hooded, tube-shaped flowers are less than ½” in length, most of them being produced along the length of side branches that grow from the leaf axils and not at the top of the main stem. The plant flowers from May to August, and its seeds ripen from July to September. The color of the flowers can range from red-violet to blue-violet, sometimes with white markings. The seed needs cold stratification to germinate. You can do this by wetting and wringing out a paper towel, sprinkle the seeds on it, fold closed and press gently, put in a thin plastic baggie and leave the top open. Then put that in either the fridge for 3 months or more dependably, outdoors in a protected area, like a shed or an unheated garage. Check in spring for germination and then shift seeds into seed-starting soil. In late spring (after danger of frost has passed), sow the seeds directly in the garden. Space 15” apart in full sun or up to 70% shade. Harvest leaves and above ground parts in summer as flowers bloom, and dry for later use. For greatest potency, harvest the flowering tops in their third summer. Store dried skullcap leaves in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Contraindications & Toxicity: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. May induce miscarriage. Large amounts or extended use may cause giddiness, stupor, confusion and twitching. Has been linked to liver damage, though it is suspected that the source of damage was actually from Germander being substituted for Skullcap. Use in moderation and avoid with liver problems. Use in moderation. Avoid if you have liver problems. May increase the effects of sedative medications and antidepressants. Use caution. Do not use in combination with medications used to address anxiety, depression, insomnia, seizures or other neurological disorders.   Constituents: Scutellarin Volatile oils (limonene, terpineol, humulene) Tannins Flavonoid glycosides (apigenin, scutellarin, scutellarien, luteolin) Iridoids (catalpol) Waxes Minerals Lignin Resin     Sources: https://spiritartsandherbs.com/sources **IMPORTANT INFORMATON: Products are sold as curio items for entertainment purposes only and based upon historical and magical uses.  We do not imply or guarantee that any items provide specific abilities, powers, outcomes, remedies, or treatments. Any information provided on listings or through private conversation is intended for educational purposes only and are based on historical folklore and traditions, and should not replace the advice of a physician. Use our products at your own risk. By purchasing this item, you understand and release Spirit Arts & Herbs Inc from any liability. 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