Lagochilus inebrians (Labiatae) has been used for its intoxicating and uniquely sedative properties by Tajik, Tartar, Turkoman, and Uzbek tribesman since before recorded history. Using it is simple; simply steep 5-10 grams as a tea, and mix with sugar or honey to sweeten to taste.  The effects are surprisingly strong and last longer than expected; please use with respect and with care.

There's been a crystalline compound isolated from the plant and named lagochiline. Whether or not it produces the psychoactive effects of the whole plant is unknown, but the effects of this rare plant have never been in question.  This is a very "stemmy" plant, but the entire plant is active, and grinding the material in a coffee grinder when making it into a tea can help release and intensify the effects of this ancient plant.

Lagochilus inebrians is a narrow endemic species of the Uzbekistan flora and there are only a few places where it grows. Even within its small native region, there is little known about this plant. The plant reaches its peak when it's in flowering stage, so be careful of LAgochilus that is offered without flower pods and leaves. This is a very "stemmy" plant, but the entire plant is reportedly active.

Cultivation Details:

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in the West, though it experiences very cold winters in its native range and so should be completely cold-hardy in the USA. The main problem it is likely to face is cool damp weather. It comes from a sunny and fairly arid region of the world with a continental climate and so it is likely to require a very sunny position in a well-drained dry soil.

Propagation Notes:

Seed - We have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the spring. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from winter rain.

Lagochilus inebrians the Uzbekistan Mint or Intoxicating Mint must be one of our rarest and most sought out entheogens. The main reason for Lagochilus inebrians rarity within the ethnobotanical community is due to the fact that its now extremly rare in its native habitat and is only found growing in very rural and inhospitable mountainous areas.

We import Lagochilus inebrians ourselves directly from Uzbekistan separate from most other suppliers. Traditionally certain mountainous tribes-people used to make a tea from this herb for its unique sedative and intoxicating properties.