The spiky orange flower clusters of klip dagga (Leonotis leonurus) are a stunning addition to the garden, and pollinators love them. Save a few of the brown seed balls when they are dry and you'll have plenty of klip dagga seeds for next year.
The flowers, leaves and stems of this evergreen plant have been used as medicine since ancient times. The brewed tea from its roots and flowers helps reduce fever, chills, bronchitis, cough and asthma. It is also an excellent remedy for gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, vomiting and dysentery. The tinctures made from the root, seeds and flowers are a good tonic for tuberculosis, jaundice, muscular cramps, high blood pressure and diabetes. It is also known to have hepatoprotective properties and can help with viral hepatitis, scurvy and malaria.
Klip dagga possesses mild sedative and euphoric effects, similar to cannabis but less potent. The effect can last from a few minutes to a few hours and can vary in intensity depending on the method of consumption.
Wild dagga, which is also called lion’s ear, tilleys curse, shandilay and Christmas candlestick, is a large shrub native to Africa that can be grown in tropical and subtropical climates as well. It contains alkaloids and terpenoids that are said to boost moods and improve clarity and color perception. The leaves and flowers of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, and have been found to possess a range of health benefits, including antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties as well as mild sedative and euphoric qualities.