Lagochilus inebrians "Turkestan Mint"

Called Turkestan Mint or Inebriating Mint, indigenous to Central Asia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia), this amazing and unusually rare plant has been used as a narcotic-like intoxicant by the Turkoman, Tajik, Tartar and Uzbek tribesmen. A ritual harvest of the plant would occur in late July / early August when the plant was flowering and all parts were toasted and used in the preparation during feasts and holidays.

Valued as a folk medicine in the Russian pharmacopoeia, its range of benefits are actually quite promising. Most prominently, rather than an “inebriant” as the name implies, it is actually a most effective sedative. Also used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), one of its most profound effects is as a coagulant with very effective blood-clotting properties.

The active constituent is Lagochiline, a diterpene, that increases in potency upon drying. Centuries of use as an anti-epileptic, anti-infective, anti-hermorrhagic, anti-spasmodic, allergy remedy, treatment for skin disorders and glaucoma and a potent sedative (among others), have been extensively described and researched.

Traditionally ingested as a tea, the mixture of pulverized leaves, stems and flowers (approx. 10 grams) were infused in boiling water (with added acidity) for about 10 minutes. A good dose of sugar or honey was added to help with the bitterness of the plant. That infusion was carefully doled out at about 1-2 tablespoons 3-5 times a day. The extract was also used for external application during bleeding situations by placing moistened gauze over the wound.

Rarely smoked alone due to harshness, some have tried smoking blends with good results. Likened in some ways to Kava, some find it valuable for meditation and contemplation. All parts of the plant are reported to be active.

25 grams dried flowers, foliage and stems

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