Lagochilus inebrians – Turkestan Mint (seed)

Description

Lagochilus inebrians is a member of the Lamiaceae family, native to central Asia. This perennial herb has been used by the Tajfik, Tartar, Turkoman and Uzbek tribesman for centuries as an intoxicant (Plants of the Gods, 1992). The leaves, flowering tops and stems are mixed, toasted and then brewed as a tea, honey is added to lessen the extreme bitterness.

Studied in Russia for decades, Lagochilus is well known pharmacologically. It is recommended for its antihemorrhagic and haemostatic properties, to reduce the permeability of blood vessels and as an aid in blood coagulation (Plants of the Gods, 1992).

The pleasant smelling herb contains a diterpene named lagochilin. The closely related lagochilin-3-acetate and lagochilin-tetraacetate may also contribute to overall effects (Daniel Siebert, www.sagewisdom.org).

Lagochilus can be used in a number of ways:

– Simply adding a few dried and crushed leaves to your favourite smoking blend or cigarette adds a delightful flavour.

– An extract can be made using acetone. Grind and soak material in acetone for 1-2 weeks, filter and evaporate acetone. Scrape together resin for use. This method is particularly worthwhile.

– To make a tincture, leaves can be soaked in 40-70% ethanol and filtered for use. One site recommends 1 teaspoon 3 times daily, or for arresting bleeding, 1-2 teaspoons of tincture in 1/4 glass of water every 2 hours.

– Dried leaves and flowers are boiled with sugar and honey to make a tea. Sometimes mixed with stems or toasted leaves. Honey and sugar are often added to reduce their bitterness. Drying and storage increase their aromatic fragrance. 5-30 grams per person.

Care and Cultivation

Seeds enter dormancy shortly after harvest and need either chemical or cold stratification for germination. Seeds are put in a plastic bag with moist sand in the refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. After this, they can be sown like normal. Soaking seeds in 500-1000ppm GA3 overnight can be used in place of cold stratification, giving a similar or slightly better germination rate.

Use a well drained potting mix (perlite:potting mix:washed river sand:gravel) or a seed raising mix (peat moss and perlite), place seeds 5-10mm under the surface and keep moist until germination in 1-2 weeks. Once they are up, move the pot to a full sun location if not there already.

Dislikes cold and wet winters, keep relatively dry during cold periods. Can also succumb to humid and hot summer weather. Drought tolerant once established, fertilise moderately over the warmer months. Trim back after flowering (spring/summer) to encourage new fresh growth.

8 seeds per packet