Lions Ear (Leijonankorva), Leonotis nepetifolia
also known as lion`s tail and wild dagga, Klip Dagga
Lions Ear, Leonotis leonurus, is a plant species in the Lamiaceae family. The plant is a broadleaf evergreen large shrub native to South Africa and southern Africa, where it is very common. It is known for its medicinal and mild psychoactive properties.
Medicinal Uses. It is said that… ( what I read about it)
Klip Dagga has long been used in African traditional medicine as a treatment for fevers, headaches, malaria, dysentery and snakebite.
It has an effect on the uterus – depending on the dose it will stimulate- or suppress menstruation.
In Trinidad it is a common cold, fever and asthma remedy.
Studies suggest that teas or tinctures made with the leaf possesses anti-nociceptive properties, is anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic and therefore lend pharmacological credence to the folkloric uses of this herb in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic, and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult-onset type-2 diabetes mellitus.
Both Klip Dagga Leonotis nepetifolia and Wild Dagga Leonotis leonurus are excellent heart tonics.
They are used for heart conditions associated with anxiety and tension and will calm palpitations, tachycardia and irregular heartbeats.
The dried foliage of Leonotis – both Wild Dagga and Klip Dagga – can be used as a legal substitute for marijuana (ganja, cannabis, hemp).
Smoking this dried herb gives an euphoric-like effect and exuberance.
The flowers are the most potent part and can be smoked or used as a calming tea.
For Cee´s Flower of the Day.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 