The related species Pseudodictamnus africanus (previously Ballota africana) as a medicinal plant has a long history at the Cape. The Khoi and Nama often used the leaves in combination with Salvia species, for fevers and measles. Africans used it for relieving severe colic and as a snakebite remedy. Other than learning from the local Khoi, the early colonists must have recognized the similarity between B. africana and the closely related European herb, B. nigra. In France, B. nigra was used for insomnia and coughs, while in England it was used as an antispasmodic, stimulant and vermifuge. Traditionally, fresh or dry, the leaves of Ballota africana were used as a tea to treat coughs, colds, sore throats, influenza, asthma, bronchitis, colic, typhoid fever, hysteria, and over-excitement. Margaret Roberts still recommends it for the treatment of coughs and chest conditions. She gives a recipe for a cough syrup in which she boils brown sugar, cloves, lemon juice and water with a few sprigs of kattekruie (Roberts 1990). The traditional use of making a brandy tincture with Ballota africana is still popular today, especially for the treatment of haemorrhoids. A single tot taken in the evening is said to be good for colds and influenza, asthma, bronchitis, hoarseness, heart trouble, hysteria, insomnia, typhoid fever, headaches, liver problems, piles and as a foot bath for arthritis (Van Wyk et al. 1997).

Previously known as syn. Ballota pseudotictamnus

The calyces are used as floating wicks in oil lamps.