Ikhathazo - Alepidea amatymbica : 
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The dry rhizome and roots are smoked, or powdered and taken as snuff by diviners and healers to assist in divination and communication with the ancestors.
Smoking the roots results in sedation and vivid dreams.
Photo of a traditional Zulu horn smoking pipe.
The roots are also used as a smoking admixture, and the smoke disguises the smell of whatever it is that is being smoked in conjunction with this admixture.
The rhizome is carried as a lucky charm, and divining bones are ritually washed with Alepidea rhizomes.
Alepidea is also used for self-fortification and to ward off evil spirits.
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Botanical description :
Alepidea - Angiospermae (flowering plants); Eudicotyledons; Order: Apiales; Family: Apiaceae.
There are about 28 Alepidea species, mainly occurring in southern Africa, although a few extend further north as far as Ethiopia.
The plant is a robust perennial with dark green rosettes of oblong, markedly toothed leaves arising from a single or branched rhizome.
The flowering stalk is hollow and up to two meters in height, with numerous small flowers arranged in dense, rounded heads.
The shape of the basal leaves and the serrations and hairs along the leaf margins are important to distinguish the different species of Alepidea.
There are two distinct forms of A. amatymbica - the typical form has leaves which gradually taper towards their bases; and a northern form with distinctly heart-shaped leaves.
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Plant parts used :
The rhizomes and roots are used.
[ Freshly cut Alepidea amatymbica rhizomes. ]
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Medicinal uses :
This species is highly regarded as a remedy for respiratory tract infections, asthma, sore throat, gastro-intestinal complaints, fever, rheumatism, bleeding wounds and headache.
Alepidea is an excellent upper respiratory tract remedy, for ailments such as bronchitis.
It is also an immune booster, and has uses for liver and kidney dysfunction.
Also used for colds and chest complaints, as well as for influenza and abdominal cramps.
Alepidea is antibacterial, antifungal, antihypertensive, and diuretic .
Alepidea is also good for abdominal pain/cramps, it can repel bees, be used as a good luck charm, treat colds, coughs, diarrhoea, respiratory ailments, stomach ailments, sore throats, and wounds.
An infusion is made, together with Cannabis, for treating asthma.
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Active ingredients :
The rhizomes and roots contain high concentrations of several diterpenoids of the kaurene type.
The major compounds are dehydrokaurenoic acids and kaurenoic acids, of which ent-16-kauren-19-oic acid is usually present in the greatest quantity.
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