Leaf: Infusion used for a cholagogue and digestive. Ref: 4.

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This unusual plant is native to South Africa. The local tribes used the plant as a calming and dream-enhancing substance for medicine and ritual. Although one other common name is Cape hemp, the plant is not related chemically or botanically to marijuana. Lion’s tail also has been used for painful conditions like arthritis, as a purgative and vermifuge to get rid of worms, and as a folk remedy for diabetes. Like other members of the Mint family, the stems are square and the flowers come off at intervals hugging the stems. Unlike most mints, this plant flowers very late in the growing season (October), and the flowers are large and bright orange. The plant will not survive the winter in Zone 5.

Part used::
Aerial parts, Roots

Origin:
South Africa

1) Robertt, A., et al.. Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana)/Smithsonian NMNH. cited online: 17-08-2017

2) Hull, Kathleen; Photog. Hull, Meredith /Indiana Medical History Museum: Guide to the Medicinal Plant Garden./ USA: Indiana Medical History Museum. 2010. -- p. 58.