Skullcap | Huang Qin

A member of the Mint family, Skullcap is quite a varied genus with some 90 species that are spread all over the world. Only two occur in Britain, though they are shy little herbs that don’t announce their presence to casual passers-by. America is blessed with some 30 species of which the most commonly used medicinal one is Virginian Skullcap, which is also known as ‘Mad-Dog Weed’ on account of its supposed ability to cure rabies. This claim was touted far and wide in the early days of its discovery, but was later renounced and the herb fell into disrepute. However, despite its failure to cure rabies Skullcap does have some very valuable healing properties and thus never quite disappeared from the Herbal Materia Medica. It was official in the American Pharmacopoeia between 1863 -1916.

It is a herb commonly used for binding contracts from business agreements to romantic unions and is used in spells of relaxation and peace. Put Skullcap in a Magick Bag or Sachet and wear to ensure fidelity from your lover. In addition to calming nervous conditions in the body, Skullcap is used in rituals and spells to promote peace and calm. It has been used for more than 200 years as a mild relaxant and as a therapy for anxiety, nervous tension, and convulsions.