Indian Borage/Cuban Oregano - (plectranthus amboinicus)

(see below for a list of other names)

I became aware of this wonder of a plant when my husband brought home a little sprig from a co-worker. It has become a common tradition among a few of his colleagues to participate in plant swapping. As a lot of his colleagues are from other countries, this little tradition as proved to be a valuable and interesting experience.

Interestingly enough, this plant goes by different names in different regions of the world - Indian Borage for Asian countries, Cuban Oregano in Mexico. It is also used in Cambodia and South Africa to name just a few.

The plant came to us with many described distinctions as 'medicinal' and 'culinary'. Apparently it is widely used in India for it's ability to help with respiratory ailments, colds, sore throats and it is also used widely in their cooking. It is comparable to oregano and thyme (two of my favorite herbs for cooking).

The first thing you will notice about this amazing plant is its 'aromatic' personality - Oh my! You can touch its furry, meaty leaves and a burst of its aroma will fill your space. Just watering it will release its aroma! If you're an aroma therapy nut (like me!), you will LOVE this plant!

The second thing you will notice about this plant is its resilience. It's a very hearty and sturdy plant. It does prefer less sun, however, so should be placed in more indirect sunlight. I keep mine inside year round.

Last year, one of my plants produced the most beautiful cluster of purple flowers. Apparently it was happy and so was I! Beautiful, delicate little purple flowers http://www.poompuksa.com/uploads/article/ar20150716110937.jpg.

Plectranthus amboinicus is a perennial and comes from the Lamiaceae group of plants which hold valuable biologically active compounds. In all, there are approximately 57 species of plectranthus amboinicus (most, with the exception of 4, can be found within Africa).

Cultivation

Indian borage is typically grown as a potted plant. Propagation is incredibly easy, just plop a section in some water for rooting or simply bury a leaf or stem in soil. Yes, it is that easy!

Medicinal Applications that have been reported. (This is not medical advise. Always consult with your healthcare provider ;)):

digestive remedy
coughs
sore throats
nasal congestion
infections
rheumatism
flatulence
malarial fever
hepatopathy
renal and vesical calculi
chronic asthma
hiccup
bronchitis
helminthiasis
colic
convulsions
epilepsy
skin ulceration
When rubbed on the skin, they will quickly bring relief to bites and stings
scorpion bite
skin allergy
wounds
diarrhea
hepatoprotective, to promote liver health.
stimulates lactation in new mothers
urinary diseases
externally - the leaves are used to treat headaches, burns
used for treating stiff neck and backache
possible alternative against planktonic forms and staphylococcal biofilm
antibacterial
antifungal

Essential Oil applications:

"Bioactive evaluation of the essential oil of Plectranthus amoinicus by GC-MS analysis and its role as a drug for microbial infections and inflammation"
http://www.ijppsjournal.com/Vol4Issue3/3896.pdf

Insect repellent: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00436-016-5351-4

P.ambonicus contain phenolics, flavonoid, proanthocyanidins, phenolic acids have been associated with antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancerous and antiplatelet activities. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264534678_Optimisation_of_Essential_oil_from_Dried_Plectranthus_amboinicus_leaves

Other Uses

Leaves can be used to scent laundry
Skin conditioner

Other Names:

Country borage (India, South Africa,US)
French thyme (South Africa,US)
Indian borage (India)
Indian mint (South Africa,US)
Mexican mint (US)
Soup mint (South Africa,US)
Spanish thyme (US)
Big thyme (St. Vincent, Grenada, and other English-speaking Caribbean Islands)
Thick leaf thyme or broad leaf thyme (Guyana)
Poor man pork or broad leaf thyme (Barbados)
Broadleaf thyme
Cuban oregano
Mexican thyme
queen of herbs
three-in-one herb
allherb
mother of herbs
Pudina (Trinidad & Tobago)
AND MANY MORE..........

Additional links on medical applications:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816374/

http://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/21/4/369/pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5602841/

Culinary Uses:

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Soothing Tea:

INGREDIENTS
Fresh Indian Borage leaves x 12
Honey dates x 5

-Fill pot with 1.5 L of filtered water and add Indian Borage leaves (Cuban Oregano). Bring to a boil and let it simmer until the water reduce to 1 L. It should take about 50 minutes. Strain and serve either hot or chilled.

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You would also use this as a seasoning herb in recipes where you would normally use oregano or thyme.

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Videos that might be of interest:

As insect repellent in your garden

Youtube

BORAGE Recipe

Youtube

Doddapatre Thambuli

Youtube

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This is my contribution to @dutchess #sundayscentexperience

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I would love to hear from other Steemians on their experiences with this most amazing plant. Please feel free to share your stories and recipes as I would be so grateful to learn more!