Lantana camara

Das K
10 hours ago
4 min read

(Wild Sage)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Lantana camara

Family: Verbenaceae

Genus: Lantana

Related Herbs from the same family:

Lippia javanica (Lemon Bush): Used in African traditional medicine for fevers, coughs, and as an insect repellent, sharing similar aromatic and medicinal properties.
Vitex negundo (Nirgundi, Five-Leaved Chaste Tree): A cornerstone Ayurvedic herb used for its potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and bronchodilator properties, particularly for joint pain and respiratory issues.
Gmelina arborea (Gambhari, Candahar Tree): Another major Ayurvedic herb used as a constituent of the "Dashmoola" group, valued for its restorative and anti-pyretic properties.

2. Common Names:

3. Medicinal Uses:

Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antipruritic (relieves itching), Antipyretic (fever-reducing), Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic (induces sweating), Vulnerary (wound healing).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Triterpenoids (Lantadenes A & B): These are the primary toxins responsible for the plant's hepatotoxicity (liver damage) and photosensitization in grazing animals. They also possess significant Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial activities, which explains its traditional topical use.

Essential Oil: The oil composition varies but often includes compounds like Caryophyllene, α-Pinene, and Germacrene-D. This oil is responsible for the plant's strong Antimicrobial, Insecticidal, and Antispasmodic properties.

Flavonoids: Such as Luteolin and Quercetin derivatives. These compounds contribute to the plant's Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects, aiding in wound healing and reducing swelling.

Phenolic Compounds: Including Verbascoside, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent found in many Verbenaceae species.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Antipruritic and Antiseptic for Skin Conditions

Formulation: Leaf decoction for wash or poultice.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is used to wash eczema, scabies, leprous ulcers, and rashes to relieve intense itching and prevent infection. A poultice of crushed leaves is applied directly to wounds and cuts.

Reasoning: The Essential Oil and Triterpenoids provide strong Antimicrobial action against bacteria and fungi, while the Anti-inflammatory flavonoids help reduce redness and swelling. The cooling wash provides immediate relief from itching.

Antispasmodic and Diaphoretic for Fevers and Colds

Formulation: Leaf infusion or decoction.

Preparation & Use: A very weak infusion of the leaves is traditionally used in some cultures to treat high fevers, influenza, and respiratory catarrh. It is given to induce sweating and relieve muscle spasms associated with fever.

Reasoning: The Diaphoretic property helps break a fever, while the Antispasmodic compounds can relax muscle tension. Extreme caution is required due to toxicity.

Anti-inflammatory for Rheumatism and Swelling

Formulation: Leaf poultice or fomentation.

Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are warmed and applied as a poultice on swollen joints, sprains, and rheumatic pains. The leaves can also be boiled in water, and the warm water used to foment the affected area.

Reasoning: The Anti-inflammatory triterpenoids and flavonoids provide localized relief from pain and inflammation when applied topically to unbroken skin.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

CRITICAL NOTE: Lantana camara is considered poisonous. Internal consumption of any part of the plant, especially the unripe green berries, can be fatal to humans and animals. It should not be used in teas, decoctions, or foods. Its use is almost exclusively external in traditional medicine.

Antiseptic Skin Wash

Purpose: To clean infected wounds, cuts, and skin ulcers.

Preparation & Use:A handful of leaves are boiled in a liter of water for 10-15 minutes. The decoction is allowed to cool and is then used to wash the affected area 2-3 times a day.

Anti-rheumatic Fomentation

Purpose: To relieve joint and muscle pain.

Preparation & Use:A large handful of leaves are boiled in 2-3 liters of water for 10 minutes. A clean cloth is soaked in the warm (not boiling) decoction, wrung out, and applied to the painful joint until the cloth cools. This is repeated several times.

7. Disclaimer:

Lantana camara is a known toxic plant. All parts, especially the green berries, are poisonous if ingested and can cause liver failure, photosensitization, and death in humans and livestock.

It is not safe for internal use.
Topical application should only be done on unbroken skin, and any signs of irritation should lead to immediate discontinuation.
It should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with liver conditions.This information is provided for academic and identification purposes only. Any use must be supervised by a qualified traditional practitioner who understands the risks. Self-medication is strongly discouraged.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Kiritkar and B.D. Basu
Wealth of India - Raw Materials Series by CSIR
Toxic Plants of North America by George E. Burrows and Ronald J. Tyrl

9. Further study:

Castor Bean (Eranda): Scientific name: Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae). While from a different family, the Castor plant is a classic example of a highly toxic plant (due to the protein ricin) that is also a profoundly important medicinal herb when used with precise knowledge and processing, much like Lantana camara in traditional contexts.
Neem (Nimba): Scientific name: Azadirachta indica (Meliaceae). Shares strong antimicrobial, antipruritic, and anti-inflammatory properties used extensively in skin diseases. However, Neem is far safer and is commonly used both internally and externally in Ayurveda, providing a safer alternative for many of Lantana's topical applications.

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Photos Courtsey: Shravni Sai

PREHEALING

Lantana camara

(Wild Sage)

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