Follow Us on Google
Acanthus montanus (Nees) T. Anders.
Family Acanthaceae.
Common names: English false thistle; leopard’s tongue; agamevu, ógwu-agha (Igbo); ahun-ekun (Yoruba)
Acanthus is a thinly branched perennial with basal clusters of oblong to lanceolate shaped glossy, dark green leaves reaching up to 30 cm long. The leaves have silver marks, wavy margins with acuminate tips and thorns. It reaches up to 1.8 m tall and about 24 inches wide. Flowers are pink to reddish in long erect spikes. Aesthetically, this is quite beautiful particularly as the flowers open down the stem. But get too near and it pricks you! Yes, Acanthus is an extremely prickly plant and certainly looks after itself. It is even pricklier in its dried state.
The species is native to tropical areas in Western Africa, and thrives well in shady habitats but tolerates sunny, dry environments too.
The phytochemical components of this plant which attribute to its diuretic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, carminative, anthelmintic, purgative, and mosquitocidal properties include- alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, terpenoids, flavonoids, steroids, and tannins.
Parts used- leaves and roots.
Acanthus is popularly used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world including Nigeria. Though an extremely unfriendly plant to handle (due to its sharp spines), it’s been used for thousands of years to relieve many health conditions.
See why herbalists are re-examining this resilient plant –
Internal heat
Dried leaf powder is taken with pap and is especially beneficial for heat in the lower abdomen in women. 1 teaspoon is to be taken two times daily. Acanthus also works well for night sweats; sleep disruption, and other types of menopausal discomfort.
Back pain – If you are coping with back pain, go for an herbal formula that contains Acanthus. The anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and analgesic properties of this plant enhance its medicinal use for backache significantly. The leaves are decocted and drunk as an analgesic, blood purifier and excellent nerve tonic. Poultices of the leaves can also be applied topically to relieve arthritis associated with backache.
Muscle spasms – The herb is an excellent analgesic, antispasmodic and muscle relaxant. Take as infusions, one tbsp two to three times daily. You may also add finely powdered plant parts to shea butter. Massage daily until desired results are seen.
Vaginal problems – When it comes to female issues concerning the genitals-dryness, rashes, itching, redness, or irritation, this herb is a woman’s best friend. It is a powerful remedy for reducing vaginal dryness and boosting tissue tone and elasticity. Also, it is used in African traditional medicine for the treatment of urogenital infections, urethral pain, endometritis, urinary disease, cystitis, and leucorrhoea. Start with one tsp two times daily.
Bacterial infections – The plant may help you get rid of that stubborn infection. In some studies, ethanolic extract of leaves has shown marked antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and other bacterial infections.
Boils – Poultices of the plant parts are used. Grind the roots/leaves and paste on boils for faster ripening and bursting. To maturate abscesses, apply hot poultices of the plant.
Wounds – The herb possesses antiseptic attributes that are effective in treating skin afflictions. Acanthus contains high levels of tannins, which help to accelerate the process of repairing damaged tissues and stop hemorrhages from grazes and cuts. The tannins are also useful in curing scalds, insect bites, piles, and skin problems accompanied by inflammations.
Upset stomach – With its ability to relieve spasming and cramping, antispasmodic properties, Acanthus can ease stomach discomfort. The plant is a carminative, helping to remove air stuck in the intestines by pushing it downwards until it’s expelled from the body. The relaxing, anti-inflammatory effects of Acanthus’s photochemical compounds can ease the knots and inflammation of the gastrointestinal system and relieve tightness and discomfort.
Constipation – A decoction of leafy-twigs is taken in as a purgative to clear the bowels of hard stools.
Liver disorder – Researchers have recorded the hepatoprotective potential of the plant. In a study, the alcoholic and aqueous extracts of leaf and stem of Acanthus montanus was shown to prevent liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats.
Cough and chest complaints – Acanthus is a powerful remedy for treating chronic cough and chest complaints. Whole plant is decocted for 45 minutes and 1 teacup taken 2 times daily for 7 days. Repeat dosage after 2 weeks.
Anemia – For blood shortage and purification, boil the leaves – take 1 teacup 2 times daily. Be sure to check with your physician to rule out any underlying issues.
Mountain thistle is readily available and can be purchased from local herb sellers. But be careful, it has prickles. For me, it is always a bit of a nightmare to collect them; every bit of it is covered with sharp spines!
