Skullcap
Gender: Feminine
Planet: Saturn
Element: Water
Chakra Colour: Violet
Medicinal Uses: Skullcap is best known for its excellent nervine properties. It is calming and relaxing and can be used in cases of anxiety, insomnia, stress related conditions and anorexia, panic attacks and depression. It is also said to ally conditions that are marked by involuntary muscle twitching or convulsions, such as restless leg syndrome and mild epileptic seizures. It used to be used for St. Vitus dance when this was a common problem, and even for schizophrenia. It also appears to be useful for fibromyalgia. It can be used for menstrual cramps and Native American women drank it to promote menstruation. It can also help to relax tense muscles, especially when their uptightness is due to stress. A closely related Chinese species is used for Cancer, but more research is necessary to confirm this use. An infusion of skullcap is good for spasms and convulsions and for nervous conditions, it has a calming effect on the body, such as excitability, insomnia, hysteria, convulsions, tremors, epilepsy, hypertension, bed wetting, restlessness, stress, and general restlessness. It has also been recommended for rheumatism, rickets, palsy, neuralgia, chorea, snakebites, poisonous insect bites, and delirium tremens (DTs). Native Americans used the plant to promote menstruation, menstrual cramps, and it was reputed to be effective against rabies. It has been given to recovering alcoholics suffering from withdrawal symptoms.
Good for migraine headaches, epilepsy, and relieves pain, stress, neuralgia, neuritis, arthritis, muscle cramps, spasms. Improves circulation, strengthens the heart muscle, and aids sleep.
Magical Uses: Magically this herb has been used for cleansing in cases where a menstruation taboo has been broken. It also can be used for exorcism and to protect the practitioner on spirit journeys. Worn by women to keep their husbands faithful. Used in sleep pillows for relaxation & peace. Used to bind oaths and consecrate vows & commitments (handfasting, initiations, etc.)
Other Names: Madweed, Skullcap, Scullcap, Hoodwort, Quaker Bonnet, Helmet Flower, European Skullcap, Greater Skullcap, American Skullcap, Blue Skullcap, Blue Pimpernel, Hooded Willow Herb, Side-Flowering Skullcap, Mad Dogweed.
Contraindications: do not use if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
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