The Plant Skullcap, also known as Mad-Dog, is the common name for Scutellaria, a genus of flowering plants in the mint family. It’s a branching plant that grows up to three feet tall with green leaves arranged in opposite pairs along a square stem. The name Skullcap is derived from the Latin word scutella, which means “little dish,” since it has small hooded, helmet-like flowers similar to the military helmets worn by early European settlers. These hooded flowers are purplish-blue in color. The Mad-Dog nickname came about when a doctor in 1772 claimed to have cured 400 people and 1,000 cattle of rabies using Skullcap.
American Skullcap is a perennial herb native to North America, while Chinese Skullcap is native to several Asian countries, as well as Russia. Both are very similar in their uses and properties. The leaves, flowers, and roots of Skullcap are the parts of the plant that are most often used in a variety of ways. Traditionally, the leaves of American Skullcap have been used in herbal medicine as a sedative and to treat conditions and convulsions. The dried roots of the Chinese Skullcap have been used historically in traditional Chinese medicine known as Huang Qin to treat insomnia, high blood pressure, inflammation, and respiratory infections.
Healing Properties
Skullcap was prized by Native Americans for its powerful medicinal properties. Studies have shown that it may be able to boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, ADHD, and depression. Regarded as a powerful nervine, herbalists recognize Skullcaps importance as a calming plant medicine. It has been known to promote overall wellbeing and relaxation during times of stress and is said to help sooth tense muscles. Its relaxing properties also makes it an effective sleep aid and it is known to be able to cure insomnia.
Additionally, Skullcap is said to be effective in soothing conditions that are marked by involuntary muscle twitching or convulsions such as mild epileptic seizures and restless leg syndrome. It has also been used to fight fever, inflammation, and high cholesterol. Skullcap contains many beneficial plant compounds, including antioxidants, which have anti-inflammatory effects and protect your cells from damage caused by molecules called free radicals. Free radicals have been linked to a number of chronic conditions such as certain cancers and heart disease.
Magickal Uses & Lore
Historically, Skullcap has been used in traditional folk practices to stimulate menstruation, ease menstrual cramps, relieve breast pain, and help expel afterbirth. It is related to the element of Water, the planet Saturn, and Feminine energy.
Skullcap can be used to bless hand-fastings or commitment ceremonies. It’s used in love magick and is believed to promote loyalty and faithfulness. It’s said that you can place some of the herb in your lover’s pocket or shoe to protect them from an admirer’s love spells, which is why it’s often worn by lovers to ensure fidelity.
Skullcap’s ability to evoke peaceful and relaxing energies makes it perfect to use in rituals and spells that promote peace and calm. It is often used during trancework and can assist in astral travel since it’s known to help keep the spirit secured to the body so that it’s able to find its way back after a spiritual journey. Its grounding properties are helpful right after meditating, as well as to protect one from nightmares, or to ease the mind after waking up from an intense dream. Its relaxation properties also make it great to use in sleep sachets to keep under your pillow. It can be burned for relief in times of disharmony and difficult situations.
Some say you can use Skullcap to attract money and abundance. Placing some skullcap in a dish and placing coins on top of is a common ritual to invoke wealth.
Skullcap is available as supplements that can be purchased online or in health food stores. It’s often sold in capsules, powders, and tinctures. The leaves of the plant are commonly used to brew tea, especially tea blends that are used for relaxation, meditation, or sleep.
Explore Skullcap here.
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** While we have provided suggestions on how to use the versatile, magickal herb of Skullcap, please keep in mind results may vary per individual and always use caution when trying a new herb. Enjoy our Skullcap recommendations and folklore, and perhaps explore your own ways to incorporate it into your daily and magickal lives!**
