Family: Lamiaceae

Scientific name: Leucas martinicensis

Authority: (Jacq.) R. Br.

Synonyms: Clinopodium martinicense Jacq., Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) R.Br., Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) R. Br.

Zulu name: amandetshi

Other names: bobbin weed, mosquito plant, tumbleweed, white wort (English) kruisement, tolbossie, waaibossie (Afrikaans)

Plant description: L. martinicensis is an aromatic annual herb that grows to about 1 m in height. It has oval-shaped opposite leaves with toothed margins, small white flowers, and dark brown nutlets. The plant has a mint-like aroma that is found in various parts of Asia and Africa.

In Northern Nigeria, the plant is known as the mosquito plant because it is used as a mosquito repellant.

Uses:

The leaves are used to make an infusion to stimulate poor appetite.
The leaves are used to treat feverish conditions in children.
The leaves are used to make a decoction against roundworms in children.
The plant is used to treat feverish conditions in children.
The leaves are used to make an infusion that is taken to stimulate poor appetite.
The plant is used to treat hypogalactia, a low supply of milk in lactating mothers.
The leaves are used to make a decoction that is used to treat inflammation and rheumatism
The plant is used to treat respiratory ailments, such as asthma and fever.
The plant is used to relieve pain and treat painful menstruations.
The plant is used to treat convulsions and epilepsy.
The plant is taken to prevent diarrhoea.
The leaves are used to treat snake bites.
The leaves are crushed and applied topically to wounds, sores, and scabies.
The plant is used as an insecticide, to repel mosquitoes.
The flowers and leaves are used to make essential oils that are used to make lotions, creams, soap, shampoos, gargles, etc.

Safety precaution:

Using traditional medicine responsibly can enhance your overall health and well-being. Misuse and abuse can lead to complications. You can inquire about the correct use of traditional medicine from a knowledgeable herbalist and practitioner. You can also visit imithiyesintu.co.za or email: info@imithiyesintu.co.za to learn more about traditional medicine

References and further reading:

Chouhan, H.S. and Singh, S.K., 2011. A review of plants of genus Leucas. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, 3(3), pp.13-26.
Das, S. N., Patro, V. J., and Dinda, S. C. (2012). A review: Ethnobotanical survey of genus Leucas. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 6(12), pp.100.
Gelfand, M., Mavi, S., Drummond, R.B. and Ndemera, B., 1985. The Traditional Medical Practitioner in Zimbabwe. Mambo Press, Zimbabwe.
Gerstner, J., 1941. A preliminary checklist Zulu names of plants with short notes. Bantu Studies.
Regina, K.M.M., Adama, H., Jeanne, M. and Odile, N., 2015. Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacognosy of Lamiaceae Species from Central Burkina Faso: Leucas martinicensis (Jacquin) R. Brown, Hoslundia opposita Vahl and Orthosiphon pallidus Royle Ex Benth. Am J Ethnomed, 2(4), pp.219-32.
Tapera, M., Tarwireyi, F. and Matebesi, D., 2017. Preliminary phytochemical screening of Conyza albida and Leucas martinicensis herbs of Mashonaland province, Zimbabwe.
Ugwah-Oguejiofor, C.J., Eze, U.A., Bello, S.O., Etuk, E.U., Ameh, G.I. and Ugwah, O.M., 2015. Anticonvulsant and sedative activities of aqueous leave extract of Leucas martinicensis (Jacq.) R. Br. Nigerian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 23(2), pp.87-91.