SKULLCAP

Scutellaria laterfolia: Labiatae

PLANET: Saturn

ELEMENT: Water

TASTE: bitter	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: cooling	DOSHAS: V=P+K-

MERIDIANS: heart, liver

ACTIONS: sedative, antispasmodic, nervine tonic, hypnotic, emmenagogue emmenagogue (eases menstrual tension), mild astringent, decreases peroxidation of fat in the liver.

INDICATIONS: anxiety, insomnia, seizures, addictions to chemical sedatives, neuralgia, hysteria, headaches, muscle spasms, nervous exhaustion secondary to anxiety, dysmenorrhea, high Pita states, hepatitis

PRECAUTIONS: An overdose can cause dizziness, confusion, twitching, and palpitations

CONSTITUENTS: a volatile oil, SCUTELLARIN, a bitter glycoside which yields SCUTELAREIN on hydrolysis, tannin, wax, sugar, cellulose, a bitter principle, sugar

PREPARATION AND USE:
-infusion 1 cup water on 1 tsp.
-00 capsule
-tincture, 10-20 drops
-use three times a day, or just at night.

USE IN MAGIC: Love, Fidelity, Peace
-used in spells of relaxation and peace
-worn by women to protect their husbands from the charms of other women
-used in handfastings, particularly when couple wish to pledge to a relationship to extend beyond this life.
-Beyerl warns that breaking an oath made with scullcap "commands a severe penalty', but doesn't specify what that penalty is.

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-a sattvic herb, promotes awareness, clarity, and detachment
-helps clear fiery emotions like anger and jealousy
-Calms the mind and heart to prepare the way for meditation. Strengthens the pathways for accessing inner truth. Prepares the mind and nerves for the flows of energy we experience with insight and healing.

"With trust in my mind and heart, I open to the inner wisdom that will guide me."