Serrated Agathosma (Agathosma serratifolia)

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

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

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

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Serrated Agathosma
Scientific Name	Agathosma serratifolia
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Agathosma
Species	serratifolia
Native Range	South Africa, Namibia, Botswana
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Agathosma serratifolia
Common Name: Serrated Agathosma
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Cape Sage, Agathosma Serratifolia, Cape Sage
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Agathosma

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 0.3 to 1.2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface gray-green and lower surface silver-white, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Stems: Cylindrical, terete, pubescent stems with opposite branching, exhibiting a scrambling growth habit and bearing glandular hairs along the surface.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Historically regarded as a gentle bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a cooling anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a soothing tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a calming carminative, in digestion-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.
Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.

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: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
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: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Capsule: Powdered plant material is enclosed in a capsule for oral consumption.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

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