This is a recent piece of work summarising 2 years of study of Agapanthus species in which I suggest some new medicinal uses for the plant. Agapanthus seems to be a plant medicine that helps to draw scattered indviduals in and direct and focus them into making transitions in their lives with greater ease. This plant should also be of use for many musculoskeletal conditions especially if accompanied by excessive dryness or dampness of the tissues.
A
Herb Monograph
on
Agapanthus
africanus
Agapanthus africanus (L.) Hoffmanns
Agapanthaceae
Blue Lily, African Lily, Lily
of the Nile, bloulelie / haaklelie (Afrikaans), isicakathi (Xhosa),
leta-la-phofu (Sotho), ubani (-oluncane) / uhlakahla (Zulu). Syn.= A. umbellatus
Name meanings
Bloulelie = blue lily; haak
= to catch / hook; isicakathi = antenatal / postnatal medicine; leta-la-phofu =
saliva of the eland (type of antelope). Uhlakahla = saliva on your pillow when
you wake up in the morning (M. Thango pers. comm.). Confusion about the meaning
of Agapanthus exists. It has been translated as from the Greek
‘agape’ = love, and ‘anthos’ = flower, giving ‘love flower’ or ‘lovely flower’
(Notten 2004; Snoeijer 2004; Page 2006) but, perhaps more correctly, is from
the word ‘agapeo’ meaning ‘to be well contented with’ thereby resulting in ‘the
flower with which one is well pleased’ (Moore 2003; Notten 2004). ‘Africanus’ =
African (Page 2006).
Classification
The genus Agapanthus was established in 1788 by L’
Heritier (Duncan 2002). Agapanthus has been difficult to
classify into distinct species (Notten 2004) as there are few unique
characteristics and these are greatly variable depending on growing conditions
and geographical location (Zonneveld in Snoeijer 2004) and species hybridise
freely with other members of the genus (Huxley
1992). McNeil (1972) suggested that there was actually only one species.
Leighton (1965) proposed 10 species, but Zonneveld & Duncan (2003) now
propose 6 species in the genus in total, based on DNA and pollen evidence. The
genus has variously been classified in the Liliaceae,
Amaryllidaceae and Alliaceae, the species of which bear a
close resemblance to Agapanthus. More
recent classifications have tended to put Agapanthus
species in their own single-genus (monotypic) family, the Agapanthaceae (van Wyk et al
2000; Zonneveld & Duncan 2003; Notten 2004; Snoeijer 2004; University of
Connecticut 2007). Other species in the family are A. campanulatus, A. praecox,
A. inapertus, A. campanulatus,
A. coddii, A. caulescens (Zonneveld & Duncan 2003). It is difficult for
untrained people to differentiate between most species. The same common name is
often applied to many different species.
For example, ’ubani’ is the Zulu name for A. africanus, A. campanulatus and A. praecox (Hutchings et al
1996). Medicinally, the species are
often used interchangeably, on the same indications, choice of species being
dependant on geographical location (van Wyk et
al 2000).
Habitat & History
Native to the Cape Peninsula
and Western Cape Province of South
Africa (Nottens 2004). It is one of the many
geophytes found in the Cape
Floristic Kingdom
(‘Fynbos’). It grows from sea level
to 1000m in poor, acidic, sandy soil which originates from Table Mountain
Sandstone (Duncan 2002) predominantly in mountainous regions, often between
rocks and even in depressions on sandstone [cf. its ability to make a good
container plant] (Jamieson 2004). It is
commonly found on hot, east-facing slopes (Duncan 2002). It is adapted to surviving
the Cape’s Mediterranean climate: long, hot,
dry summers and short, wet winters. It cannot withstand lengthy spells of
freezing weather (Jamieson 2004). Most Fynbos plants have adaptations to help
then survive the frequent fires that occur in the region. A.
africanus has fleshy roots and a rhizome from which the plant will resprout
after fires. Flowering is always most profuse after fire (Jamieson 2004; Bean
& Johns 2005). It was one of the
first plants to be taken by the Dutch from the Cape to the Netherlands and flowered in the garden of van Beverningk in 1679 and was described
by Breyne in 1680 as Hyacinthus Africanus
(Snoeijer 2004; Jamieson 2004). It became a popular conservatory and container
plant and spread throughout Europe (Jamieson 2004), reaching England by 1692 where it was described growing
in the garden of Hampton
Court Palace
(Snoeijer 2004). Elliot (2003) claims
that the plant was known to Parkinson in 1629, although this author believes
this unlikely, as the Dutch colonised the Cape
only in 1652. It is possible, however, that one of the English ships rounding
the Cape of Good Hope prior to the Dutch settlement may have brought a specimen
to England.
Agapanthus species are widely grown
in gardens, verges and around shopping malls or new housing developments in South Africa, where
they are prized for their beauty, hardiness and ability to withstand drought
conditions (Joffe 2003). However, traditional healers are reported to believe
that the plant loses its healing powers when cultivated in a garden (Keirungi
& Fabricius 2005). Agapanthus
species have naturalised in the Scilly Isles (U.K.), California,
Australia and New Zealand
and has become an invasive weed in some areas (Snoeijer 2004; Moore 2003). Internationally,
it is widely grown and sold as a cut flower and in recent times has been
featured in the UK
in many graphic designs on a wide range of items (e.g. placemats, fabrics) and in
advertisements (Marks and Spencer, Laura Ashley etc.). Monet painted these
beautiful purple flowers with his water lilies.
Description
An evergreen geophytic monocotyledon
with long strap-like, slightly fleshy, dark-green leaves up to 15mm across and
+- 350mm in length (van Wyk et al
2000; Notten 2004). The leaves arise directly
from the rhizome and may form a leek-like ‘stem’ by sheathing at the base
(Young 1982), before separating (Snoeijer 2004). Prominent parallel veining is apparent. The slender
flower stalk is normally under 700mm long, rises from between the leaves and
has a pseudoumbel [or more correctly a thyrse (Snoeijer 2004)] of pale to dark
blue flowers at its apex (Jamieson 2004; Notten 2004; Snoeijer 2004). Rarely,
white-flowered individuals are found. At the end of thin pedicels, are open-faced
flowers which have prominent darker veins running along the centre of the 3 petals
and 3 sepals, which fuse at the base to form a funnel-shaped flower (Snoeijer
2004). The flower has 6 stamens, the
anthers of which produce yellow-brown pollen. The ovary is superior and
3-chambered (Zonneveld & Duncan 2003; Bean & Johns 2005). Fragrance
from the flower is mostly not apparent, although a slight sweet, herbaceous
scent may be noticed under some conditions.
Pollination is by bees, wind and sunbirds (Jamieson 2004). Seeds are black, flat and winged (Snoeijer
2004; Bean & Johns 2005). The plant has a hard, thick, tuberous
rhizome from which protrude a tangled mass of thick, fleshy, pale, juicy roots
with a soft, velvety covering. Unusually
for a monocotyledon, these roots are large and extensive (Grohman 1989). The
plant grows in a dense, tight clump.
Constituents
Saponins & sapogenins
of the furostane and spirostane type, including agapanthegenin (van Wyk et al 2000) and steroid spirostan
sapogenins 7-8(14)- and 9(11)- dehydroagapanthagenin (Gonzalez et al 1974 & Gonzalez et al 1975).
Anthocyanin gives colour to
flowers and plants containing anthocyanin have purple colouration in leaf base
(Snoeijer 2004).
Toxicology
Leaf reported to cause pain
and ulceration in the mouth. May irritate skin and eyes (Snoeijer 2004). Haemolytic poisoning has been suspected but
not proven (Notten 2004).
Organoleptic Assessment
Root
Touch:
velvety exterior; crunchy; moist, but not mucilaginous.
Smell: like
raw potato
Taste:
sweet & astringent. Marked astringency. Only tiny hint of acridity.
Leaf
Touch: Smooth and cool.
Mucilaginous, slimy material exudes particularly from near base.
Smell: Green; herbaceous; sweet.
Taste: Initially sweet,
then a soapy bitterness develops into a mild acridity which irritates the back
of the throat, particularly the fauces.
Flower
Touch: moist; soapy
Smell: faint sweet scent
with green notes
Taste: initially sweet
& green rapidly becoming soapy and bitter then acrid, especially affecting
soft palate and uvula, leaving a persistent dry sensation in the nasopharynx,
aggravated by swallowing.
Signatures
Blue-purple
colour in flowers: antispasmodic
Blue-purple colour in leaf
base: infected states / ‘bad blood’
Moist & mucilaginous; survives
long, hot summers; haven for snails: balances moist and dry
Flowers best after fire
Flowering stems phallic
before bract opens
When bract opens, it splits
on one side and flower-contents pour out – reminiscent of vagina and birth
process
Seed capsule cocks on pedicel
as it ripens: reminiscent of actin-myosin bridge in muscle contraction
Elements
Water
Actions
Oxytocic. Uterotonic.
Cardiac. Stomachic. Pectoral. Expectorant. Aperient. Purgative. Nephritic.
Affinities
Uterus. Muscle: smooth,
cardiac, skeletal. Female reproductive. Mucous membranes.
Constitutions & Tissue States
Tones and astringes Relaxation
/Damp-flowing tissue state; moisturises Dry
Atrophic Tissue
State and relaxes Wind/ Constricted Tissue State
(Wood 2004; Wood pers. comm..). Pitta conditions (astringent, bitter, cool)
Traditional & Modern Uses
van Wyk et al (2000:32) state that different Agapanthus species “are used for similar
medicinal purposes”. After studying the morphology, signatures and organoleptic
qualities of different Agapanthus
species and cultivars, it is this author’s opinion that the species of the
genus may be used interchangeably and that no significant difference in their
medicinal properties exists, certainly at least for the evergreen species. The information collated below, therefore,
is from all Agapanthus species.
Parts used: rhizome and roots in aqueous preparation
Agapanthus is
a magical and medicinal plant, a plant of fertility and pregnancy (Notten
2004). It is primarily an antenatal and postnatal medicine administered orally
or rectally as a decoction (van Wyk et al
2000) or the plant may be grown in water and this water is administered
medicinally. This type of medicine is called isihlambezo in Zulu and isicakathi
in Xhosa, which is also Agapanthus’
Xhosa common name. It may be used
morning and evening from the 4th or 5th month of
pregnancy to ensure an easy delivery and healthy child (Watt &
Breyer-Brandwijk 1962; van Wyk et al
2000; Joffe 2003). It may be taken to
progress a difficult labour and to ensure expulsion of the placenta (van Wyk et al 2000; Hennop 2003). It is uterotonic (van Wyk & Gericke 2000;
Steenkamp 2003) and augments uterine contractions (van Wyk & Gericke 2000).
Worn as a protective charm by mothers with young babies (Hutchings et al 1996), Batten & Bokelmann
(1966) write that young mothers with their first child wear a necklace of the
roots constantly in order to ensure health and happiness for them both.
Bryant (1966) lists uHlakahla as facilitating delivery and
procuring a retarded delivery.
Young Xhosa brides wear the
roots as a necklace as they are said to ensure an abundance of children and
easy childbirth (Batten & Bokelmann 1966).
The newborn baby may be
washed in the decoction (van Wyk et al 2000) to make them strong (Pooley 2003) and
keep them free from bowel trouble (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962) or isicakathi may be used for a small child
who is weak, fails to thrive or gets pimples on the face and bad rashes on the
inner thighs or groin area (V. Mbetane, pers. comm.)
It may be used for cradle
cap (Pooley 2003) or ‘crusts’ on babies heads (Hutchings et al 1996).
Agapanthus is considered an aphrodisiac (Watt &
Breyer-Brandwijk 1962; van Wyk & Gericke 2000) and Bryant (1966) lists uHlakahla as a medicine for impotency
and barrenness.
Agapanthus has mild purgative (van Wyk et al 2000; Duncan 2002),
aperient (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1932) and laxative (van Wyk & Gericke
2000) effects on the gastrointestinal tract and may be applied as a fomentation
in severe abdominal pain of a colicky nature (with Dianthus sp.) (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1932).
Used as a body wash to
treat paralysis (in combination with Dianthus
sp.) (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962; Notten 2004)
Pooley (2003) writes that
it is used as a protective charm, while Hutchings et al (1996) describe its use as a protective charm against
lightening and thunder and as a medicine taken by people frightened of thunder. It is also used as a love charm (Hutchings et al 1996).
Agapanthus is used together with Myosotis sylvatica in the initiation of healers (Hutchings et al 1996). This author believes that,
in this instance, Agapanthus may
facilitate the transition between states (see below) and Myosotis may help the initiate to remember what they are learning.
Said to assist the
functioning of the kidneys (van Wyk & Gericke 2000).
Made into a paste for the
treatment of swollen legs (Batten & Bokelmann 1966), the leaves are also
said to be soothing for sore and tired feet (Roberts 1990).
Used for chest complaints
and as an expectorant in coughs (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk 1962; van Wyk
& Gericke 2000), including ‘long established coughs’ (Watt &
Breyer-Brandwijk 1932:17) and for colds (Notten 2004).
Bryant (1966) lists uBani as being used for symptoms of
heart disease, as does Notten (2004) who includes chest pains and tightness. Agapanthus has been used in the
treatment of high blood pressure and has been shown to inhibit angiotensin
converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro
(Duncan, Jager & van Staden 1999).
Maliehe (1997) reports the
use of Agapanthus as a general tonic
for infants, a treatment for body rash and to alleviate the menstrual pains of
women.
Leaves may be used to hold
dressings in place and wound around wrists are said to bring down fevers
(Notten 2004).
An infusion of powdered, sun-dried
roots are taken orally for the treatment of cancer (Koduru, Grierson &
Afolayan 2007)
A. campanulatus flower and leaf preparations displayed
marked serotonin reuptake transport protein affinity in vitro, making it a potential treatment for depression (Nielsen et al 2004).
Results of a Synthesis of Goethean
Study & Signatures
The four-stage process of a
Goethean Science study was undertaken and combined with information from
observations of plant signatures.
Preparatory Stages / Intuitive
Precognition
The initial contact with
the plant produced a number of thoughts and sensations:
‘Joy’.
A positive plant. Upward and outward energy. Outward looking. Pushed up and out
in all directions. ‘A snake in the grass’.
These
intuitive precognitions were acknowledged, recorded and then ‘bracketed’ or
left alone while further study was undertaken (Brook 2003:12), although they
are of interest in the light of Agapanthus
being a potential medicine for depression (Nielsen et al 2004).
Stage 1: Exact Sense
Perception (Brook 2003; Wahl
2005)
The physical structure of Agapanthus was studied in minute detail
for 18months, observing all parts of the plant in all its phases of growth by
drawing and photographing it, growing the plant from seed, using organoleptic
assessment and making preparations from it.
Stage 2: Exact Sensorial
Imagination (Bortoft 1996) / Exact
Sensorial Fantasy (Brook 2003)
Once
the author had analytically investigated the plant in the present, how it IS, Stage 2 was commenced. The author attempted to perceive how the
plant had become what it is.
This
involved looking at different stages of growth of the plant, how it grew,
rooted, shooted and flowered and being able to –imaginatively - ‘live into’ or
‘swim with’ this growth process (Colquhoun & Ewald 1996:169).
Stage 3: Seeing in Beholding (Wahl 2005)
During
the 18 month observation period, flashes of insight or ‘Ah-ha!’ moments (Wahl
2005) occurred. The most significant of
these was the realisation that the seed capsule cocks on the end of the pedicel
as it ripens, changing from a straight line to nearly 90 degrees with the
pedicel. This signature reminded the author of the formation of the
actin-myosin bridge in muscle contraction.
The common link between many of Agapanthus’
uses was then apparent. Agapanthus
helps muscles to contract correctly – it is used in parturition, expelling the
placenta, dysmenorrhoea, cardiac problems, paralysis, colicky abdominal pain,
coughs etc – all problems potentially related to muscle activity.
Stage
4: Being One with the Object / Being the Being (Brook 2003; Wahl 2005)
Many
intense insights occurred when, on a number of occasions, the author placed
himself in a calm, relaxed state and mentally ‘grew’ the plant in all its
observed detail, ‘feeling in’ to the root, rhizome, flower and shoot as it
grew. That is, in the mind’s eye,
recreating the plant from all the data collected in Stages 1, 2 & 3. This
resulted in a number of thoughts and feelings, impressions, flashes of insights
and the experience of a number of symptoms in the investigator’s body.
The following is a synthesis of the author’s understanding of Agapanthus. Although deeply felt, this
information should be seen as speculative until of proven use in clinical
practice.
Agapanthus is a medicine for transition periods in one’s life.
It is traditionally used by women making the transition to becoming mothers and
it is used to wash the newborn to help them become strong and adapt to their
new situation. It is also worn by Xhosa brides at their wedding when they make
a major transition to married life and used by traditional healers undergoing
their initiation. The author believes
that it has a wider application to many transition periods in life. In this
aspect, it may be similar to the Bach Flower remedy Walnut. It strengthens
one to deal with new situations, its moist, mucilaginous nature easing and
lubricating change and transition.
Agapanthus flowers most profusely after fires and survives them
by having many fleshy underground roots.
Fire brings change and transformation. Agapanthus may help some people who are afraid of change: “store
your reserves in a safe, earthy place to avoid being burnt”.
While
observing the flower head, the author had a sudden vision of going down a dark
tunnel towards light. The connection was made to the birth process and the use
of isicakathi to facilitate it. Minutes later he was struck by the growth
pattern and flow of energy in the plant (gesture): the thick roots converge on
a dense rhizome which in turn pushes leaves out and up and a flowering spike
that travels up and then spreads out in all directions, with even the flowers
opening out and the tepals curling backwards. There is a feeling of
condensation, of confinement, travelling along a narrow tunnel and out into the
world, bursting out and expanding. “I’m dying / bursting to get out, let’s get
on with things”. It may be useful for ‘rebirthing’ or ‘coming out’.
Agapanthus likes to be confined. It forms dense clumps and does
well as a pot plant especially when pot-bound, when it flowers more
profusely. Confining the roots leads to
more profuse flowering: “the more I am confined, the more I flower”. “Being
confined results in fruitful activity”. Agapanthus
is a medicine for people who feel confined or restricted. It helps them to
expand out into the world, giving them the strength to do it. Conversely, it may be useful for people who
need to be confined, people who are ‘all over the place’ and need pulling in
and directing along a narrower, more defined path. They need to feel secure /
confined before they can flower. It is
also tempting to make a connection between this theme of confinement and the
old use of the word, which is a synonym for labour / parturition / giving
birth.
Agapanthus may be a remedy for claustrophobic states or states
preceded by sensations of elation, expectation or nervousness with concomitant
tension in the throat or globus hystericus. It may be useful for anxiety and
tension in anticipation of an event. It is traditionally used for people who
fear thunder. In Zulu medicine, lightning brings disease (Ngubane 1977). Agapanthus may be useful for people who have
a fear of disease. It is also interesting to note in this regard its use to
strengthen infants, possibly through fear that they will get ill.
Agapanthus helps to make ones mood more expansive, bringing one joy.
It opens up the chest and allows the emotions in and out. It imparts gladness,
delight and an outpouring of love. It is uplifting.
There is a tension in Agapanthus between patience and
impatience, between being held back and pushed out. ‘Held back’ could relate to
immaturity, of delay in developmental milestones, which are major transition
periods in childhood. The root of the
plant is very astringent. Astringency tends to adjust and balance tensions in
the body. The blue-purple colour of its flower is a signature for antispasmodic
activity. Antispasmodics adjust tensions
by modulating muscle tone. It is interesting to note that Sankaran (2002) lists
‘forced out’-‘must hold on’ as major sensations of the Liliales and Agapanthus
must therefore be related medicinally as well as taxonomically.
The
cocking of the seed capsule on the pedicel (actin-myosin bridge) as it ripens
and the blue-purple flower colour (antispasmodics) are signatures that, when
taken with its traditional uses, point to Agapanthus
as a pre-eminent medicine for many muscular problems. Smooth, cardiac and skeletal muscle fibres are
all affected. Agapanthus works by
ensuring proper action between actin and myosin filaments and providing the
proper lubrication for the muscle to contract.
It may be indicated in many muscular disorders, especially those
involving cramp, pain and /or atrophy (dryness) of the muscle. It should
balance muscular tension. It will also make you strong and help you move
out into the world.
Snails and slugs find
shelter in Agapanthus plants which
have a reputation amongst gardeners as being havens for these creatures. Snails
like Agapanthus’ cool, moist, mucilaginous
nature. These properties, combined with a strong astringent taste (which is
drying) mean that Agapanthus should
be useful for balancing wet and dry in the body and should have an affinity to
watery parts of the body (such as the pregnant uterus). It has been used to treat swollen legs
(oedema) which are often a sign of liver, kidney, heart disease or hormonal
changes that leads to accumulation of fluid in dependant areas. Agapanthus has been used for kidney
disease and heart disease and its steroidal saponins make it a potential remedy
for treating hormonal disturbances. The common names of the plant (uhlakahla;
leta-la-phofu) and its copious saliva-like mucilage point to an effect on the
mouth, salivary glands and mucous membranes.
An indication for Agapanthus
may be dryness of the mouth (its astringent root has an incredible drying
effect) or excess salivation.
The strong sexual
signatures in this plant have probably led to it being used as an
aphrodisiac. The flowering spikes are
unmistakeably phallic and then, as the bract opens, it splits on one side
looking vagina-like and spills out its contents in a floral birth process. The
author would suggest this plant for male and female infertility and impotence,
especially when dryness or excess, poor-quality sexual fluids or secretions are
playing a role. Its steroidal saponin content may provide a hormone modulating
effect.
Other Indications:
Cardiovascular
Palpitations and awareness
of the heart, aching in the praecordial region with extension of aching pain
down left arm.
Gastrointestinal
Nausea. Stomach turning;
churning in epigastrium. Nausea in epigastrium and about the navel with
concomitant salivation. Tension in epigastrium.
Musculoskeletal
Desire to bend backwards,
to arch back (? Opisthotonus ? tetanus / neonatal tetanus. cf. traditional
practice of dressing umbilical cord with dung) Desire to bend forwards; bend
double; scrunch up. Feel weighted down; pressing down on head and shoulders.
Aching down left upper limb approximately down Large Intestine Channel.
Splaying of hands.
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