Coleus aromaticus - The Aromatic Indian Borage
The Aromatic Indian Borage is an evergreen shrub with upright shoots growing up to two or three feet tall. This plant has beautiful sculptured leaves. It is cultivated as a common garden plant throughout India. The leaves are strongly scented and are thick, fleshy and are toothed along the margins. The plant occasionally bears terminal spikes of small, blue, bi-lipped flowers.
Coleus aromaticus
Its Botanical name is:- 'Coleus aromaticus'. It belongs to the family 'Labiate' to which common "Thulasi" (Ocimen sancturm) also belongs.
Other Regional Names:
Tamil: Karpuravalli
Malayalam: Panikkurukka
Kannada: Doddapatre
Hindi: Patharchur
Coleus aromaticus makes a very good garden plant for the households due to its evergreen foliage and scent. It is a must have medicinal garden plant. One plant maintained in a pot gives a lush green color to the entire garden itself..
In tamil it is called "Karpuravalli" or "Omavalli". In English, it is called ' Country Borage' or 'Indian Borage".
It can be easily propagated from stem cuttings with apical bud.
The plant requires medium water and medium sun light, but it can do well in shaddy places too. periodic trimming to maintain its shape. It is a hardy plant that needs only twice a week watering. Excessive watering may cause root rot.
Medicinal value:
The plant has wonderful medicinal value and is a must have herb for any medicinal garden.It is said that the venerable Tamil sage ' Aghasthiyar" first discovered the qualities of this herb. He recommended the herb for loosening, even rock - like "Kapha" (phlegm) in the chest.
As a home remedy, the leaves are used for clearing cold and cough. For cold and cough two leaves juice is taken and mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of honey and consumed.
Chewing up a leaf before food, aids in digestion.
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Use in AyurvedaLeaves are used in indigestion, cold, phlegm in the chest, for adults and children. Its use to relieve mucus, cold and associated fever is ancient
The herb improves appetite
It is good for treating kidney problems especially kidney stones.
Good for curing Asthma.
The juice of the leaves is applied on the affected part of the skin in cases of Insect bites, Allergic skin thickening itching and skin irritation
It is used in cooking in South America, Java, Indonesia and Philipines
The leaves, added with coconut, Dhal, Red chillies, Dhania leaves and curry leaves, make tasty chutney
To reduce 'Kapha' (mucus, phlegm) in the body, prepare a decoction by boiling the leaves in water. Add cardamom, cloves and a teaspoon of honey and take this twice a day for 3 days.
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