Agathosma Crenulata (Agathosma crenulata)

Agathosma Crenulata (Agathosma crenulata) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to South Africa, and Namibia. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, tonic, and carminative actions, and has a long history of use in african traditional medicine, european herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

Agathosma Crenulata (Agathosma crenulata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Agathosma Crenulata (Agathosma crenulata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Agathosma Crenulata
Scientific Name	Agathosma crenulata
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Agathosma
Species	crenulata
Native Range	South Africa, Namibia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Tonic, Carminative
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Agathosma crenulata
Common Name: Agathosma Crenulata
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Cape Geranium, Cape Sage, Cape Chamomile
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Agathosma

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 0.8 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched, with opposite leaves and smooth, glabrous surface.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a soothing tonic, in whole-system applications.
Carminative: As described in traditional systems, a moderate carminative, for digestive process support.
Stimulant: In herbal texts, considered a warming stimulant, in energy-related contexts.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A mixture of naturally occurring compounds responsible for plant aroma.
Terpenoid: Plant-produced compounds commonly found in essential oils and resins.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Available information does not clearly establish general precautionary concerns for this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in moderate fertility soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.