Karpooravalli/Indian Borage Plant

Binomial Name – Plectranthus amboinicus

Karpooravalli/Indian Borage/கற்பூரவல்லி

Karpooravalli (Plectranthus amboinicus), once identified as Coleus amboinicus, is a semi-succulent perennial plant in the family Lamiaceae   with a pungent oregano-like flavor and odor. It is native to Southern and Eastern Africa. It is widely cultivated and naturalized elsewhere in the tropics where it is used as a traditional medicine, spice, and ornamental plant.

Plectranthus amboinicus is traditionally used for treating cold and cough. it is used for treating headache too. It is a common practice to give karpooravalli rasam to people suffering from cold, cough and fever. It is also used in the treatment of hiccups, mouth ulcers, skin infections, colic asthma and indigestion.