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Intoxicating Mint (Lagochilus inebrians)
Lagochilus inebrians has long been used for its intoxicating properties by Tajik, Tartar, Turkoman, and Uzbek tribesman. The species name inebrians refers to its traditional use as an inebriant. It is traditionally taken as a tea. The tea is usually sweetened with honey or sugar to make it more palatable. Alternatively, it can be steeped in alcohol to make a tincture (vodka works fine for this). Less herb is needed per dose when it is taken as a tincture because alcohol is more effective than water at extracting the active constituents. Depending on the method of preparation used and strength of effects desired, dosages may range from approximately 3 to 30 grams.
The effects of the plant have been largely attributed to the diterpene lagochilin. The closely related compounds lagochilin-3-acetate and lagochilin-tetraacetate are also present in the plant and might contribute to the overall effects. Like Salvia divinorum, this is one of the few members of the mint family (Labiatae) that is traditionally used as an inebriant. The most commonly reported effects include relaxation, euphoria, and subtle perceptual changes.
Lagochilus inebrians, a.k.a. inebriating mint, intoxicating mint, Turkistan mint or intoxicating hare’s lip, is a member of the mint family Labiatae. It’s official name is derived from the Greek words lagos and cheilos, meaning “hare” and “lip/cheek”. Inebrians means intoxicating, thus “hare’s lips” is actually the literal translation of its taxonomical name.
Lagochilus inebrians is a shrub with numerous stems reaching a height of 20–80 cm. It is woody at the base, with ovate leaves, pubescent on both sides. Its flowers are white or light pink and usually have five petals. Its fruits are brownish nuts.
It only grows naturally in the Samarkand and Bukhara provinces of Uzbekistan, some areas of Turkmenistan and Tajikistan and a few other regions in Central Asia. It is, therefore quite hard to come across commercially available dried Lagochilus inebrians or its extract. It can also be relatively expensive.
Its effects, as an intoxicant are reportedly mild. It’s mostly a bodily high – a pleasant, warm, glowing feeling.
Lagochilus inebrians can be consumed as a tea or smoked. For both methods, it is possible to mix it with other similar herbs.The high caused by the intoxicating mint is associated with a chemical compound found in all parts of the dried plant, called lagochiline.
Interesting facts about Lagochilus inebrians:
As many other plants with strong or weak intoxicating properties, the inebriating mint plant was used in traditional medicine and shamanistic rituals during the centuries.
Lagochilus inebrians, in specific, was reportedly used for its intoxicating and sedative properties by Armenian, Tajik, Tatar, Turkoman and Uzbek tribesman and Shamans for medicinal and ritual purposes.
Lagochilus inebrians – legal status
Lagochiline is not on the list of controlled substances in any country. However, it is among the endangered species in most Central Asian countries – its natural habitat – therefore harvesting it is reportedly illegal.
There is only one US state that has restrictions in place on the use of Lagochilus inebrians. Luisiana State Act 159 of 2005 made 40 plants illegal for human consumption, amongst them Lagochilus inebrians.
It appears to be legal everywhere else in the US and the world.
Main active ingredient of Lagochilus inebrians
The main active ingredient in Lagochilus inebrians is lagochilin. The plants mild psychoactive effects are attributed to this compound, which
reportedly has sedative, hypotensive and hemostatic properties.Lagochilin – the predominant psychoactive ingredient in Lagochilus inebrians
The effects of the Lagochilus inebrians
The desirable effects, for which the plant is used as a sort of legal marijuana-alternative are the following:
Intoxication
mild euphoria
relaxing effects on the nervous system
strong excitation
a general state of well being
subtle perceptual changes
Dangers of Lagochilus inebrians
Lagochilus inebrians or intoxicating mint is generally considered safe. However, due to its rarity and obscurity, there have been not much research done regarding its excessive use or its side effects. Therefore, in case of risky conditions (pregnancy, diabetes, heart conditions etc.) should be handled with caution and overly large doses should be avoided.
The reported symptoms of an overdose are nausea and vomiting. Nothing more serious than that is reported.
Lagochilus inebrians health benefits
Lagochilus inebrians, or inebriating mint does more than get you high. In fact, it has proven health benefits.
Lagochilin, its predominant ingredient was officially adopted in the 8th edition of the Russian Pharmacopoeia due to its versatile medicinal applications. It is employed as an infusion or tincture as an antihemorrhagic for its haemostatic effects, to reduce permeability of blood vessels and aid in coagulation of the blood.
It has also been recommended for use in treating certain allergies, glaucoma, hypertonic illness, diathesis, stomach ulcers and skin diseases. Traditionally, to treat such ailments, 10gm of dried plant material are ground up and added to 200ml of boiling water for about 10 minutes. It is then allowed to cool at room temperature and strained. One to two tablespoons of the liquid are drunk 3 to 5 times daily.
It has also been reported to be valuable for nervous disorders as a hypotensive, antispasmodic and sedative. Its properties as a sedative, are due possibly to the same constituents responsible for its narcotic effects.
Intoxicating mint – consumption, preparation
Lagochilus inebrians was traditionally used internally in the form of tea brewed from the plant. Also, many of the most enthusiastic trip reports out there describe experiences under intoxicating mint teas. Here is a good recipe, if you wish to experiment with the herb.
Preparing the tea
Pour 0,5l of boiling water on approx. 4g of dried Lagochilus inebrians
Let it soak for 30 mins
Put the liquid with the dried plant into a blender and mix it for approx. 2 mins
Let it cool off for a minute or two
Strain the liquid of the fibrous parts
Drink it slowly (it’s the best to drink these teas slowly, as it is uncertain, whether the active ingredients are absorbed better sublingually)
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