Wild Dagga Flower - 30 grams : Leonotis leonurus

Leonotis leonurus - from Wikipedia The shrub grows 3 to 6 ft (1 to 2 m) tall by 1.5 to 3.5 feet (0.46 to 1.1 m) wide.[1] The medum-dark green 2–4 inches (5.1–10 cm) long leaves are aromatic when crushed. The plant has tubular orange flowers in tiered whorls, typical to the mint family, that encircle the square stems. They rise above the foliage mass during the summer season, with flowering continuing into winter in warmer climates.[1][2] Variation in flower color A white variety (known colloquially as 'Alba'), as well as a yellow variety also exist. Ecology In its native habitats Leonotis leonurus attracts nectivorous birds (mainly sunbirds), as well as various insects such as butterflies. The flowers' mainly orange to orange-red colour and tubular shape are indicative of its co-evolution with African sunbirds, which have curved bills suited to feeding from tubular flowers. [edit] Medicinal uses Leonotis leonurus has long been used in African traditional medicine as a treatment for fevers, headaches, dysentery, flu, chest infections, epilepsy, constipation, delayed menstruation, intestinal worms, spider bites, scorpion stings, hypertension and snakebites. Externally, it is often used for hemorrhoids, eczema, skin rashs and boils. Leonotis leonurus can enhance the effects of blood pressure medications and other medications. Research shows that Leonotis leonurus can be used to help benefit people with anxiety and depression due to its calming effects. It helps regulate the dopamine section of the brain for people who may have irregular dopamine release. One experimental animal study suggests that "the aqueous leaf extract of Leonotis leonurus possesses antinociceptive, antiinflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties; thus lending pharmacological credence to folk usage of the herb in the management and/or control of painful, arthritic, and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult-onset, type-2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa."[3] Another experimental study indicated that in high doses, lion's tail can cause changes in organs, red blood cells, white blood cells and other important bodily functions.[4] [edit] Recreational uses The dried leaves and flowers have a mild calming effect when smoked. In some users, the effects have been noted to be similar to the cannabinoid THC found in Cannabis, except that it is has a much less potent high.[5] It has also been reported to cause mild euphoria, visual changes, dizziness, nausea, sweating, sedation and lightheadedness. Higher doses may cause heavy sedative effects.[6] It is sometimes used as a Cannabis substitute by recreational users looking to evade current laws on cannabis and other psychoactive plants. Leonotis leonorus is not currently scheduled under federal law in the United States. The smoke is reported to have an unpleasant taste and to be an irritant to the lungs and throat. The picked and dried leaves are also commonly brewed as a minty tea. [edit] Cultivation Leonotis leonurus is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its copious orange blossom spikes and accent or screening qualities for use in gardens and parks.[1][2] It is a moderate drought tolerant plant, and a nectar source for birds and butterflies in landscape settings.[1] Lion's tail can especially be found in other subtropical and Mediterranean climate regions beyond South Africa such as California, Hawaii,[2] and Australia where it has naturalized in areas. In cooler climates it is used as a perennial and winter conservatory plant.[1]