Lofant: grass or bush?
According to experts, Tibetan monks have known and used the lofant for many centuries, comparing this semi-herbal perennial with ginseng. However, in Russia, this plant, valuable for its medicinal properties, became known relatively recently.
Basically, there are two types of lofant – anise and Tibetan. Both plants have, according to experts, the same beneficial properties, not inferior or superior to each other.
Anise lofant, or Lophanthus anisatus Benth, is a perennial herb, reaching a height of one meter. It belongs to the lucifer family. Tibetan lofant, also known as wrinkled agastakhis, is a relict perennial. This winter-hardy plant is a semi-herbaceous shrub that can grow up to a meter, its stems are tetrahedral, and the leaves are oval in shape with jagged edges. Its white-yellow spike-shaped inflorescences, reaching a length of 20 centimeters, have a pronounced aniseed scent.
The healing power of the lofant
Lofant has long been known as a powerful biostimulant. Herbalists recommend tea based on this plant to strengthen seriously ill people, people who are under stress or recovering from long-term illnesses. Lofant products are also used for children who are stunted or weakened. It is often used to improve the condition of the elderly. It is important to remember that before using products containing lofant, it is imperative to consult a doctor, as this is a very powerful remedy!
Men are advised to consume lofant leaves, adding them to food, to increase potency. Also, according to a number of herbalists, lofant can help in the treatment of prostatitis.
Lofant is often called northern ginseng, but it has a milder effect. Its properties also have a prolonged nature, that is, their effect can gradually increase and accumulate, affecting the human body.
In herbal medicine, lofant is recommended for those patients who suffer from hypertension (as well as associated heart pain), joint diseases, with vegetative dystonia, various problems with the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the pancreas.
Vitamins, phytoncides, various biologically active substances, trace elements and essential oils are part of both leaves and flowers and stems of a lofant. In folk medicine, all these parts of the plant are used, making infusions, teas, decoctions and tinctures from them. Lofant-based products are known for being very effective in restoring the body after severe stress, while at the same time boosting immunity.
Lofant is also used in cosmetology, preparations from this plant are useful for stimulating hair growth and strengthening their roots. On the basis of lofant leaves, mixtures are prepared for medicinal, tonic and wellness baths.
Growing a lofant
The lofant reproduces by seeds and dividing the bush, it is quite simple to grow it. The simplest way is to grow a plant with seedlings; in the conditions of central Russia, the seeds ripen easily if they are sown in March, and then, before the emergence of seedlings (they are usually shown after a week), cover with foil.
A month later, when 4–5 leaves are already visible, it is necessary to dive the plants. It is necessary to plant seedlings in open ground in stable warm weather in fertile and loose soil. Almost all care for this plant is watering and loosening. The plant blooms from the second half of July until frost.