Numerous traditional uses have been recorded. Early reports claim that the Nama tribes smoked the leaves and used powdered leaf to make small cakes, which were chewed or eaten for "spiritual journey" purposes.
Decoctions are used externally for skin problems and internally, either by mouth or as an enema, to treat coughs, colds, fever, headaches and high blood pressure.
Wild dagga in South Africa has a sister plant with bright red flowers, which is even more narcotic than Lions Tail with the orange flowers.
Its a perennial from the warm regions of South Africa. In Africa some women smoke this plant to alleviate pain while giving childbirth. This plant contains marrubin an expectorant. This might be the reason that it increases the effectiveness of any plants used in conjunction with it. Its an herbal catalyst. It may be grow as a perennial in the south but an annual everywhere else. The seeds can take 10 or more days to germinate. Germinate them in peat pellets or something similar. Keep soil moist but not soaking, as rot will set in. Transplant about a foot apart. If you want it to flower and you live in the north adapt it to a large pot and bring it in for the winter. Cut it back to keep it bushy or else it will grow to heights of 4-6 feet. After the frost is gone bring it outside and it should bloom. You can also grow this plant indoors under HID lighting. They seem to respond quite well.
We now have both white flower and orange flower seeds available!
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