1. Leonotus leonurus goes by a number of names, including wilde dagga, lions ear and even Duiwelstabak (Devils Tobacco).

2. While dagga is a common name for marijuana, Leonotus is not related to this plant. Leonotus is however thought to have mildly narcotic effects and the flowers are smoked by people around the world for the purposes of relaxation.

3. Leonotus is traditionally used as a medicinal herb for high blood pressure, respiratory ailments, epilepsy and even for snake bites.

4. The plant is well known for its bright orange flowers which bloom around autumn time which serve as excellent attractors for birds and butterflies. A rarer variety of Leonotus with white flowers is also available (as pictured above).

5. When crushed, the leaves and flowers create a strong aroma. Leaves and flowers can be placed in the cages of birds when traveling, as the aroma is thought to have a calming effect.

6. A slightly rounder leafed cousin of Leonotus leonurus commonly called klipdagga (Leonotis leonitis) can also be found on roadsides around South Africa.

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In theory Cilift could be taken with Sutherlandia, however due to Cilift's effects on the liver and kidneys, and the fact that the efficacy of drugs like Cilift can be affected by other drugs or indeed herbs like Sutherlandia, we strongly advice that you consult with your medical practitioner before using Sutherlandia with this drug.

Cilift is not suitable for use with Sceletium.

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1. South Africa's number 1. herbal export.
2. Endemic to the western parts of the Cape particularly the Cedarberg area, Rooibos is a member of the legume family.
3. Rooibos gets it's red colorings from a fermentation process that is performed after picking. Rooibos is also now available as an unfermented green Rooibos tea which is said to have higher levels of anti oxidants than the red variation.
4. Traditionally, Rooibos is also known for it's antispasmodic properties and can be used to treat babies suffering from colic.
5. Functions as an excellent health beverage as it lacks caffeine and low levels of tannin but should be consumed without milk or sugar to best benefit from it.
6. The anti oxidants present in Rooibos are known to combat cancer forming free radicals
7. Used primarily as a tea, but now also used in skin creams and gels.

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1. Found only in the Western Cape of southern Africa, two varieties are available - Crenulata and the more commonly used Betulina.
2. The leaves are traditionally  chewed to relieve stomach complaints.
3. Buchu is commonly used as a natural treatment for urinary infections and ailments around the urinary area including the bladder, kidneys and prostate.  It also functions as  a  natural  diuretic.
4. The leaves are mixed with oil to create a perfume.
5. Buchu is  used in the food industry as a flavour  enhancer.
6. Buchu oil has a black current like flavor and smell and the essential oil can function as a soothing anti septic
7. Difficult to cultivate and required specialized knowledge
8. Buchu is available in capsules,essenial oils, tinctures as a herbal tea
   

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Need a simple herbal or health definition, stop in on the Fevertree Glossary of terms.

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See our article on African plants and skin care in this month's Renaissance magazine 

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