Wild Dagga (Leonotis leonurus)

Name

Leonotis leonurus

Other Common Names:

Wild dagga, Lion’s Tail or Lion’s Ear, Indian Hemp

Habitat:

In hot, arid climates such as South Africa, Australia, Arizona, California, and Mexico

Research on Wild Dagga:

The major active alkaloid in Leonotis leonurus is leonurine. 

According to a 2005 study of wild dagga’s health effects in mice and rats, the juice extracted from the plant’s leaves has many properties including reducing pain and supporting tissues, and thus has medicinal potential.

According to a 2005 study of wild dagga’s health effects in mice and rats,  the juice extracted from the plant’s leaves has many properties including cooling, analgesic properties which reduce pain.

Uses

In the olden days, the South African Hottentot tribe gathered deer-resistant wild dagga flowers from along the roadside, then dried and smoked them to relax and unwind. Wild dagga resin, leaves, and flowers were either smoked by themselves or in a blend with other complementary herbs.

Other Eastern medicinal applications of the herb were inducing euphoria, using the plant as a laxative, supporting circulation, and getting rid of parasites in the body. According to Plant Delights, people have also used the herb as a natural remedy for congestion, coughs, aches and pains.

Wild dagga has a wide range of applications. It is said to help calm a racing heartbeat connected to anxiety, although further research is needed. Leonotis leonurus might also treat female-specific ailments in various stages of life, as a tonic supporting the reproductive system, easing the pain of cramps, PMS and relieving unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

One homesteading blogger believes wild dagga can support joint health and relieve aches and pains from sore muscles. “When the stems and stalks are added to a bath, they alleviate itching and muscular cramps,” she adds. Raves user Sheriff Bart of its other effects, “It affects sound perception and gives a whole new dimension to music.”

Those who have recently tried wild dagga seem to prefer the flowers to the leaves. “People also use the leaves from this plant to smoke and make tea