old thread witch

Scullcap (Scutellaria; galericulata, lateriflora) loves water. So you can stumble upon this plant near the banks of rivers, lakes and brooks. But it enjoys the sun, so you won’t find it in deep shade. Harvest in the late flowering period, July – September, or before flowering, and, as always, after the dew has dried. If you grow it yourself, don’t overfeed the soil.

Also; Skullcap, Hoodwort, Helmet Flower. Mad-dog weed

Only two species in England - Scutellaria galericulata & Scutellaria minor. The former is the one used. Over 30 species in America. Scutellaria lateriflora is the most useful plant.

A perennial growing about 40cm high. It tastes very bitter and has an almost oniony smell. It has opposite, serrated, elongated oval-shaped leaves. One of the easiest identifiers is that the flowers grow in pairs.

Scullcap is a relaxant & sedative. Drink as tea to calm nerves, ease muscle twitches, including Blood Time (menstrual) cramps. Once the effects have worn off, the feeling is usually of natural calm, rather than a return to anxiety. 

Uses: anxiety, muscle spasm, insomnia, nervous headaches, mental exhaustion, brings on late menstruation, helps expel afterbirth.

I’ve worked with it successfully to ween people off substance addiction, including alcohol.

Topically, it’s useful for psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema.

Drink together as a mild tea to bring peace between friends or hang in home for peace in the marriage. For serious binding, use a stronger tea or in a rite. But scullcap is not to be used mildly - if you break the bind for no good reason, you must repay her.

In a similar way, it’s used to control others to do your bidding. If the spouse is suspected of cheating or thinking about it, sprinkle a tiny pinch in their food or under their side of the bed. Or thread two flowers that grow side-by-side and place under the person’s pillow or in their car.

Cautions: Know scullcap as an ally first. Dangerous for a woman with child. Preferable not to harvest near well-used public waterways, without checking first. Plants in any public area, such as parks or canals, could be sprayed by order of local authorities. Do not burn as incense as fumes are toxic.

Dosage: Always depends upon desired outcome, but too strong will induce twitching, confusion, dizziness and a general ‘fuzzy’ confused feeling. Safe* dosage is 2-3 grams, or 1-2 teaspoons, of the dried powdery herb in 1 cup.
Pour just off the boil water in a cup of the herb. Cover. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Strain. Can be drunk hot or cold, up to 3 times a day.

* Disclaimer: use plants at your own risk. Always research and know the plant first.