Plectranthus amboinicus-Karpuravalli

1. Taxonomic insights

   Species: Plectranthus amboinicus

   Family: Lamiaceae

   Genus: Plectranthus

   Related Herbs from the same family:

   Ocimum sanctum (Holy Basil/Tulsi) - The most sacred herb of India, used for its adaptogenic and immunomodulatory properties.

   Mentha spicata (Spearmint) - A common digestive and cooling herb. Coleus aromaticus (now a synonym for P. amboinicus). The Lamiaceae family is a major family of aromatic medicinal herbs, many of which are used for respiratory and digestive issues.

2. Common Names:

   Scientific Name: Plectranthus amboinicus | English: Indian Borage, Country Borage, Cuban Oregano, Mexican Mint | Sanskrit: Karpuravalli, Pashanabheda (in some contexts) | Hindi: Patharchur, Pattharchur | Tamil: Karpuravalli, Oma Valli | Telugu: Karpuravalli, Vamu aaku | Kannada: Karpuravalli, Doddapatre | Malayalam: Panikkurkka, Karpuravalli | Marathi: Patharchur | Bengali: Patharkuchi, Paterchur | Nepali: Patharchur | Urdu: | French: Origan cubain | Spanish: Orégano francés | Italian: Origano cubano | German: Javanische Münze | Chinese: Yín bān xiāng | Russian: Plektrantus | Japanese: Inondo boraijia | Afrikaans: |

3. Medicinal Uses:

   Antitussive (cough suppressant), Expectorant, Antispasmodic, Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Antipyretic, Antihistamine, Diuretic, Carminative.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

   Essential Oil (Carvacrol, Thymol): These phenolic compounds are the primary bioactive agents, responsible for the strong oregano-like smell and potent Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Antispasmodic actions.

   Flavonoids (Quercetin, Apigenin): Known for their Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antihistamine properties, which are crucial for respiratory relief.

   Phenolic Acids (Rosmarinic Acid, Caffeic Acid): Rosmarinic acid is a strong Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant compound that helps modulate the immune response in allergic reactions and colds.

   Tannins: Contribute to the Antimicrobial and Astringent properties.

   
   

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

   Antitussive & Expectorant for Cough, Cold, and Asthma

   Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

   Preparation & Use: The juice of 5-8 leaves, mixed with a little honey, is taken 2-3 times a day. For children, a paste of the leaves mixed with palm jaggery is given.

   Reasoning: Carvacrol and thymol act as Antispasmodics to relax the bronchial muscles. The Antimicrobial action fights infection, while the Expectorant property helps clear mucus.

   Antipyretic for Fevers

   Formulation: Leaf juice.

   Preparation & Use: The juice of fresh leaves is given with a pinch of turmeric to reduce fever, especially in children.

   Reasoning: The Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial properties help address the underlying cause of the fever.

   Anti-inflammatory for Skin Allergies and Insect Bites

   Formulation: Leaf poultice.

   Preparation & Use: Fresh leaves are warmed, crushed, and applied directly to the skin to relieve urticaria (hives), insect stings, and boils.

   Reasoning: The Anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid and the Antimicrobial carvacrol/thymol reduce swelling, itching, and prevent infection.

   Diuretic and for Urinary Stones

   Formulation: Leaf decoction.

   Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves is consumed to increase urine output and help flush out small kidney stones.

   Reasoning: The Diuretic property flushes the urinary system, and the Anti-inflammatory compounds soothe the urinary tract.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

   While very pungent, it is used as a flavoring herb in some regional cuisines, often in small quantities.

   Karpuravalli Juice for Cough and Cold

   Purpose: A potent home remedy for persistent cough and chest congestion.

   Preparation & Use:Take 8-10 fresh leaves, wash thoroughly.Crush and extract the juice.Mix with one teaspoon of honey and consume twice a day after meals.

   Soothing Leaf Poultice for Headaches and Colds

   Purpose: To relieve sinus headaches and chest congestion.

   Preparation & Use:Crush a handful of leaves into a coarse paste.Apply on the forehead for headaches or on the chest (covered with a cloth) for congestion. The strong vapors provide relief.

   Flavoring in Stuffing and Curries

   Purpose: To add a unique, pungent flavor.

   Preparation & Use: One or two finely chopped leaves can be used as a spice for a distinct aroma. It is used sparingly due to its strong flavor.

7. Disclaimer:Plectranthus amboinicus is generally safe in culinary and moderate medicinal doses. However, due to its high concentration of carvacrol and thymol, it can be irritating to the mucous membranes in large quantities. It is best avoided in high doses during pregnancy and lactation. Always perform a patch test before topical application to rule out skin sensitivity.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

   • Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

   • A Dictionary of Indian Raw Materials & Industrial Products by The Wealth of India

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

   1. Oregano. Scientific name: Origanum vulgare. Family: Lamiaceae. Similarity: Both share a nearly identical phytochemical profile (high in carvacrol and thymol) and are used for their potent antimicrobial and respiratory health benefits.

   2. Thyme. Scientific name: Thymus vulgaris. Family: Lamiaceae. Similarity: Thyme is also rich in thymol and is a classic herbal remedy for coughs, bronchitis, and as an antiseptic, mirroring the uses of Indian Borage.