Names:

  • General: Lion’s ear, Lion’s tail, Christmas candlestick, Wild dagga, Pincushion devil, Bird honey, Klip dagga Bald head
  • Hausa: Turta ƴan sarki; Cika saura; Jan barawo; Kan mutum, Tutar
  • Igbo: Isi kwalisi, Isi aba mpio
  • Yoruba: 

Description:

It is a robust, annual or perennial plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It grows upright and could attain a height of 2.5m in suitable location. The leaves are borne on stalks and arranged opposite each other on the stem which emanates from a thick wood base and have abundant glandular trichomes on the leaf lamina. All leaves have distinctly toothed margins, ovate, lobed, acute, with pointed tips and are sparsely hairy. The lower leaves are oblong-ovate to ovate and larger and broader than those towards the top of the plant. The stem is unbranched at the base and loosely branched towards the apex with strongly angled stems having appressed retrorse hairs that are longer at the nodes.

The flowers are borne in dense rounded clusters (5-6 cm across) towards the tops of the stems, and the hairy flowers resemble lion’s ears, hence the name “leonurus (lion coloured)”. Each cluster is arranged directly on the main stem, just above a pair of leaves. Individual flowers (20-40 mm long) are orange to reddish-orange in color and tubular in shape with two main lobes, the lower lobe is further divided near the tip, while the upper lobe is somewhat arched or curved and densely hairy. Flowers are surrounded by a green calyx tube and have two elongated and pointed green bracts. The flowers produce nectar which attracts birds, bees and butterflies. The individual fruit is a four-lobed capsule that separates into four seeds when mature. Seeds are dark brown or dull black and either somewhat egg-shaped or triangular. All the plant parts have a strong mint smell similar to other Lamiaceae species.

Cultivation/Propagation

  • It is propagated by the seeds which grow very easily on suitable soil.
  • They are often found in the wild but is sometimes cultivated for it beautification and herbal benefits.

Medicinal Benefits

  • It possesses antibacterial, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antinociceptive, antidiabetic, anti-oxidant, anthelmintic, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, anti-histamine, anticonvulsant, antinociceptive (pain-killing), antidiabetic, antibacterial, anthelmintic, anti-fungal, cholagogue (promote bile flow), cardiotonic (heart health), diuretic, emmenagogue, hallucinogenic, purgative, tonic, vulnerary (heals wounds), abortifacient properties.
  • It is used to manage gastrointestinal problems, such as indigestion and flatulence, due to its carminative properties.
  • It is used for the treatment of the following:
    • Gynaecological disorders like womb prolapse, breast swelling and dysmenorrhea.
    • Skin disorders like burns, ringworm, scalds.
    • Bronchial asthma, influenza, cough,
    • Rheumatism and associated pain.
    • Diarrhea and dysentery.
    • Kidney disorders
    • Malaria, Fevers
    • Snakebite,
    • Epilepsy
  • An excellent heart tonic and used for heart conditions associated with anxiety and tension and will calm palpitations, tachycardia and irregular heartbeats.
  • The leaves, roots and bark are used as an emetic for snakebites, bee and scorpion stings.
  • The flowers are the most potent part and can be smoked or used as a calming tea.
  • The ethanolic extract of the whole plant showed antitumor activity in the lab.
  • The leaves of this plant are used to treat pneumonia, anthrax and syphilis.
  • The decoction of the stem, leaf and flowers is administered for jaundice.
  • The decoction of the leaf is used as a purgative and an emmenagogue.
  • The leaf tea has a hypnotic effect, is diuretic and relieves headache.
  • The stem, leaves, and flowers are used in the treatment of asthma.
  • Depending on the dose it will stimulate or suppress menstruation.
  • The roots are used to treat vomiting in pregnant women.
  • Aid in wound healing and skin conditions
  • Used to alleviate allergy symptoms.
  • It is utilized as a sedative.

Other Benefits:

  • Due to its vibrant flowers and distinctive appearance, it is often grown as an ornamental plant. It adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscaping projects with its colorful blooms and attractive foliage.
  • The brew of leaves, flowers and stems is given to animals with respiratory problems and applied as a lotion to sores on livestock and dogs, and used as a wash for wounds, scratches, bites and stings.
  • The plant’s vigorous growth and extensive root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it useful for soil conservation efforts in areas prone to erosion.
  • The plant is known to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This makes it a beneficial addition to gardens aiming to support local wildlife and biodiversity.
  • The dried foliage is used as a legal substitute for marijuana (ganja, cannabis, hemp); smoking the dried herb gives an euphoric-like effect and exuberance.
  • The roots and leaves water is used in poultry to boost immunity and for cattle against gall sickness and eye inflammation.
  • The flowers are cooked with green, leafy vegetables and consumed as a delicious snack.
  • The decoction of the whole plant is sprinkled around houses to keep snakes away.
  • The plants are also used to expel vermin from stored grain.
  • The nectar is sucked or licked from the base of the flowers.

How it is used for Medicine:

  • The decoction of whole plant is used for:
    • The treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, purging the GIT, elimination of tapeworm (taeniafuge), and diarrhea. 
    • The treatment of gynecological disorders; dysmenorrhea, and regulation of menstrual cycle.
    • Steam bath to treat rheumatism, sciatica, neuritis and rickets.
    • Steam inhalation to relieve catarrh, fever and headache.
    • Cleansing of the uterus after child birth.
    • Treatment of Itches and yaws.
    • Treatment of Elephantiasis.
    • Tonifying (tonic) the body. 
    • Treatment of fever.
  • The decoctions of leaves, roots and inflorescences are used as:
    • Treatment of viral hepatitis and Jaundice.
    • Dysentery, diarrhoea and stomachic. 
    • High blood pressure and diabetes.
    • Muscular cramps and fever.
    • Tuberculosis and asthma.
    • Diuretic and tonic.
  • The leaf and stem decoction is used as inhalation or drink for:
    • The treatment of cough, common cold, influenza, bronchitis, and asthma.
    • The treatment of pneumonia, anthrax and syphilis.
    • The treatment of malaria and fevers.
    • Management of womb prolapse.
  • Tea made from the whole plant is used for:
    • Bladder and kidney disorder.
    • Rheumatism and arthritis.
    • Obesity and piles.
    • Cancer.
  • The ash made from burning the whole plant is:
    • Mixed with mustard oil and applied externally for relief of relief of breast pain during the post-natal period.
    • Applied to swellings, joints or painful parts of the body for relief.
    • Applied externally to treat paralysis.
  • The paste made from the leaves is applied externally
    • For the treatment of eczematous conditions, skin infections and itchiness.
    • For the treatment of burns, cuts, wounds.
    • For alleviating the pain of scorpion sting.
    • For the treatment of joint (including back) pain.
  • For the management of snakebites:
    • The decoction of the root or tincture of the root is taken orally.
    • The poultice of the leaves is applied on snakebites.  
  • The whole plant is boiled with Hyptis pectinata, Mikania micrantha and Momordica charantia (Akpala udene)  and used as a wash for piles
  • Decoction made from 20 g of the whole plant in 50 ml of water and given once a day for 3 days relieves joint pain.
  • The infusion of the leaves and flowers decocted with salt or sugar in a preparation to dissolve renal calculi.
  • The decoction of the whole  plant mixed with H. indicum (Onu udene) is used to treat bed-wetting.
  • The paste of the inflorescence is mixed with groundnut oil and applied on wounds for healing.
  • The juice of the flower is mixed with sugar and taken for the treatment of night blindness.
  • The ash of flower buds is applied externally to burns, scalds, itch and ringworm.
  • The powdered flower is added in porridge or tea for the treatment of diarrhea.
  • The fresh stem juice is taken as an infusion to purify the blood. 
  • The juice from the leaves is used to threat oral thrush.

Reported Side Effects/Caution:

  • The plant may interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting inflammation or blood pressure. Individuals on such medications should seek medical advice before using Leonotis nepetifolia for therapeutic purposes.
  • While generally considered safe when used properly, excessive consumption or application of the plant could potentially lead to adverse effects. It is important to use the plant in moderation and follow recommended guidelines.
  • Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Leonotis nepetifolia, including skin irritation or respiratory issues. It is advisable to perform a patch test or consult a healthcare professional before extensive use.
  • There is limited information on the safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is recommended that pregnant or breastfeeding women consult a healthcare provider before using the plant.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5566138/