The post focuses on a common herb found in many Indian gardens. It is being referred by various names such as Indian Borage, Mexican Mint, Dodda patre (Kannada)... Scientific name is Plectranthus amboinicus. This
herbal wonder is a must have in any kitchen garden or herbal garden. It is very
easy to grow this in a pot from stem cutting. It is known for its analgesic,
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties.
This plant was known to me since my childhood days as it is a common
plant in any of south canara home garden. Still I did not know much about the
medicinal properties except it was known as a good cough remedy and also
applied on skin problems such as itching and rashes. I remember the juice being
applied on whole body in case of lice bite.
I was astonished by the use when my 5 years old son had fungal infection
due to antibiotic side effect. My neighbour asked me to prepare Tambuli (recipe here) of doddapatre
leaves to him every day. It helped him along with the non-oral allopathic
medicine taken. It works as an antifungal and not to specify probiotic effect
when taken with curds/yogurt.
Then I started little research on it. Every time, my son/daughter had
common cold, it went off just with this Indian borage leaf tea/ Extract(recipe here) consumed with
honey. One should remember to give it as a first home medicine before anything
else. It is very effective by eating fresh leaves directly with salt (for
elders). Children may not eat directly the leaves because of its strong bitter
like, acrid, bit strong pungent taste.
The conditions, Indian borage leaves can be used to treat:
Kindly consult a Physician in case of emergency or if you are sensitive.
- Common cold & Cough
- Diarrhea
Consume 1-2 Indian borage leaves crushed and mixed in curds or chew two leaves directly and drink warm water.
- Indigestion & stomach
cramps
Consume 1-2 Indian borage leaves crushed and mixed in curds or chew two leaves directly and drink warm water 2 to 3 times a day and once before sleep.
- Skin problems – Insect bites
Crush leaves of Doddapatre (Indian borage), extract juice and apply on
the affected area.
- Skin problems – Fungal
infections
Crush leaves of Doddapatre (Indian borage), extract juice and apply on
the affected area. Consume 1-2 Indian borage leaves crushed and mixed in curds.
Note: Please consult Doctor before giving
any home medicine to the patients if they are in special conditions such as
Pregnancy, Infants... The remedies I write here are tested on few cases and may
not be scientifically studied.
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