What is Leonotis Leonurus Wild Dagga ?

Recurrence Herb Lab

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as Wild Dagga or Lion’s Tail, is a revered medicinal shrub cherished by North American herbalists and shamanic practitioners for its versatile therapeutic properties and rich cultural heritage. Native to South Africa, this Lamiaceae family member has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. At Recurrence Herb Lab, we’re excited to offer organic Leonotis leonurus crushed leaves and flowers, sustainably sourced to deliver unmatched purity for your wellness and spiritual practices. This Leonotis Leonurus 101 guide explores its origins, phytochemistry, traditional uses, and why our premium product is a must for your herbal collection.

What is Leonotis Leonurus?

Leonotis leonurus is a perennial shrub native to South Africa, growing 1–2 meters tall with vibrant orange, tubular flowers that attract pollinators like sunbirds and bees (Nsuala et al., 2015). Its aromatic, lance-shaped leaves and woody stems thrive in sunny, well-drained soils, making it a popular ornamental plant in North American gardens (Fern, 2024). Known as “wilde dagga” (wild cannabis) in Afrikaans, it has been used by indigenous South African communities like the Khoi and San for its mild psychoactive and medicinal effects, earning nicknames like Lion’s Ear and Marihuanilla (Mazimba, 2015).

Phytochemistry: The Science Behind Wild Dagga’s Potency

The therapeutic effects of Leonotis leonurus are driven by its rich phytochemical profile, including:

• Labdane Diterpenoids: Marrubiin and leoleorin C, known for cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and anticonvulsant properties (Mnonopi et al., 2011; Nsuala et al., 2024).
• Flavonoids: Luteolin-7-O-glucoside and apigenin, contributing to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (El-Ansari et al., 2009).
• Phenolics: Ferulic acid and chlorogenic acid, supporting hepatoprotective and antimicrobial activities (Kuchta et al., 2013).
• Essential Oils: Monoterpenoids and sesquiterpenoids, providing antimicrobial and mild psychoactive effects (Oyedeji & Afolayan, 2005).

Notably, the alkaloid leonurine, often cited in popular literature, has not been consistently detected in Leonotis leonurus extracts, suggesting its absence or minimal presence (Nsuala et al., 2015). Recurrence Herb Lab’s Organic Leonotis Leonurus Crushed Leaves and Flowers are carefully processed to preserve these bioactive compounds for maximum efficacy.

Traditional and Medicinal Uses

Leonotis leonurus has a storied history in South African traditional medicine, with applications that resonate with North American herbalists:

• Neurological Support: Smoked leaves and flowers are used to relieve epilepsy, headaches, and anxiety, with studies confirming anticonvulsant activity in aqueous extracts (Bienvenu et al., 2002; Nsuala et al., 2024).
• Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Decoctions treat muscular cramps, arthritis, and skin conditions like eczema and boils, supported by flavonoid-driven anti-inflammatory effects (Ojewole, 2005).
• Cardiovascular and Diabetic Care: Marrubiin enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces blood pressure, aiding diabetes and hypertension management (Mnonopi et al., 2012; Mugabe et al., 2018).
• Respiratory and Digestive Health: Leaf infusions address coughs, colds, bronchitis, and constipation (Mazimba, 2015).

Recurrence Herb Lab’s Organic Leonotis Leonurus Crushed Leaves and Flowers allow you to harness these traditional benefits with a pure, ethically sourced product tailored for modern herbal practices.

Why Choose Recurrence Herb Lab’s Organic Leonotis Leonurus?

Our Organic Leonotis Leonurus Crushed Leaves and Flowers are crafted with excellence, offering:

• Certified Organic Purity: Free from pesticides and synthetic cannabinoids, ensuring safety and authenticity (Nsuala et al., 2015).
• Maximum Potency: Hand-harvested and crushed to retain diterpenoids and flavonoids for optimal therapeutic effects.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for teas, smoking blends, or topical decoctions, catering to diverse applications.
• Sustainable Packaging: Eco-friendly, resealable bags to keep your Wild Dagga fresh and potent.

Our rigorous quality control distinguishes our product from potentially adulterated sources, making it ideal for North American herbalists seeking reliable, high-quality Leonotis leonurus.

How to Use Leonotis Leonurus in Your Practice

Incorporate Recurrence Herb Lab’s Organic Leonotis Leonurus Crushed Leaves and Flowers with these methods:

1. Wild Dagga Tea: Steep 1–2g of crushed leaves and flowers in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Add honey to mask bitterness. Ideal for relaxation or respiratory support (WorldHerbals, n.d.).
2. Smoking Blend: Combine with calming herbs like chamomile for a mild euphoric effect, traditionally used for epilepsy relief (Anconatani et al., 2021).
3. Topical Decoction: Boil leaves, strain, and apply to soothe skin rashes or muscle cramps (Mazimba, 2015).

Start with low doses (1–2g) and consult a herbalist, as higher doses may cause mild sedation or gastrointestinal upset (Oyedemi et al., 2010).

Precautions and Considerations

Leonotis leonurus is generally safe in moderation, but precautions are advised:

• Side Effects: High doses (≥160 Laurentius et al., 2008). Avoid driving after use due to potential sedation (Anconatani et al., 2021).
• Toxicity: Acute toxicity studies show no mortality at doses up to 5000 mg/kg in rats, but chronic use at high doses may affect liver and kidney function (Oyedemi et al., 2010).
• Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children. Consult a healthcare provider, especially if on antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications (Mugabe et al., 2018).
• Quality Concerns: Ensure products are free from synthetic cannabinoid adulteration, a reported issue in commercial markets (Nsuala et al., 2015).

Why Leonotis Leonurus Resonates with North American Herbalists

Leonotis leonurus captivates North American herbalists with its blend of traditional South African wisdom and scientifically validated benefits, from epilepsy management to pain relief. Its mild psychoactive effects and vibrant flowers also appeal to those exploring shamanic and ornamental uses. At Recurrence Herb Lab, our Organic Leonotis Leonurus Crushed Leaves and Flowers offer a pure, potent connection to this remarkable plant, crafted with respect for its cultural and pharmacological legacy.

References

• Anconatani, L. M., et al. (2021). Leonotis leonurus L. R. Br. (Lamiaceae): Anatomical features and recreational use survey. ResearchGate.
• Bienvenu, E., et al. (2002). Anticonvulsant activity of aqueous extract of Leonotis leonurus. Phytomedicine.
• El-Ansari, M. A., et al. (2009). Phytochemical and pharmacological studies on Leonotis leonurus. Natural Product Research.
• Fern, K. (2024). Leonotis leonurus. Tropical Plants Database.
• Kuchta, K., et al. (2013). Stachydrine in Leonurus cardiaca, Leonurus japonicus, Leonotis leonurus: Detection and quantification. Planta Medica.
• Mazimba, O. (2015). Leonotis leonurus: A herbal medicine review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.
• Mnonopi, N., et al. (2011). The cardioprotective effects of marrubiin, a diterpenoid found in Leonotis leonurus extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
• Mnonopi, N., et al. (2012). Marrubiin, a constituent of Leonotis leonurus, alleviates diabetic symptoms. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
• Mugabe, F. R., et al. (2018). Acute toxicity and antihypertensive effects of Artemisia afra and Leonotis leonurus in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology.
• Nsuala, B. N., et al. (2015). “Wild cannabis”: A review of the traditional use and phytochemistry of Leonotis leonurus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
• Nsuala, B. N., et al. (2024). Chemical profiling, anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects of the smoke constituents isolated from Leonotis leonurus. Phytochemistry Letters.
• Ojewole, J. A. O. (2005). Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous extract of Leonotis leonurus leaves in rats. Phytotherapy Research.
• Oyedeji, O. A., & Afolayan, A. J. (2005). Constituents of Leonotis leonurus flowering tops. Natural Product Communications.
• Oyedemi, S. O., et al. (2010). Effect of aqueous extract of Leonotis leonurus leaves in male Wistar rats. Human & Experimental Toxicology.
• WorldHerbals. (n.d.). Leonotis leonurus (Wild Dagga). worldherbals.com.