Plant of the Day  Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap)

Skullcap is a cooling, bitter herb that calms the mind and restores the shen to the heart.  It's an antispasmodic, diuretic, sedative, tonic.  An infusion of skullcap is good for spasms and convulsions and for nervous conditions, such as excitability, insomnia, and general restlessness.  It has also been recommended for rheumatism, neuralgia, and delirium tremens.  American Indians used the plant to promote menstruation, and it was reputed to be effective against rabies.

It is ritually used to calm and open the mind to meditation, aiding insight.  Skullcap can be used in spellcraft to prevent a man falling for the 'wiles of the women'.