Many people often ask me for a list of must-have plants to grow at home. Without hesitation, I always begin with my favorite, Panikoorka. This plant is at the top of my list not only because of its remarkable medicinal properties, but also because it is an excellent all-arounder for any home.

Botanical Name: Coleus amboinicus    Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Common name from flowersofindia.net: Cuban Oregano, Indian borage, Indian mint, Mexican mint, Mexican oregano, Spanish thyme • Hindi: पत्थरचूर Patharchur, पत्ता अजवाइन Patta ajwain • Manipuri: ꯃꯅꯥ ꯍꯤꯗꯥꯛ Mana hidak • Marathi: पत्थरचूर Pathurchur • Tamil: கர்பூரவல்லீ Karpuravalli • Malayalam: Panikkoorkka, Kannikkurkka • Telugu: Sugandhavalkam, కర్పూరవల్లీ Karpoora valli, karuvaeru, vamu aaku • Kannada: ಕರ್ಪೂರವಲ್ಲಿ Karpuravalli, ದೊಡ್ಡಪತ್ರೆ Dodda pathre, ದೊಡ್ಡಪತ್ರೆ ಸೊಪ್ಪು Dodda pathre soppu, ಹಿಟ್ಟಲೀಕ Hittaleeka, ಹಿಟ್ಟಳಿಕೆ HittaLike, ಹಿಟ್ಟುಳಿಕೆ Hittulike • Sanskrit: कर्पूरवल्ली Karpuravalli, Sugandhavalakam
Etymology:
Coleus: The genus name “Coleus” comes from the Greek word koleos, meaning “sheath.” This refers to the way the stamens of the flowers are often sheathed or enclosed.
ambonicus: The species name “amboinicus” refers to Ambon (formerly Amboina), an island in the Maluku (Moluccas) Islands of Indonesia. It indicates the plant’s historical association or origin from this region.

Panikoorka is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a treatment for common ailments, a flavorful addition to your culinary creations, and even a natural pest control solution in your garden. Its versatility makes it an essential addition to any household!

Home Remedies

• Protective remedy from cold(babies) – Heat a Panikoorka leaf over a flame, ensuring it is warm but not too hot. Test the warmth yourself before gently placing it on the center of the child’s head (known as ucchhi or vertex). Additionally, letting them inhale the warmth and aroma of the heated leaf can help alleviate cold symptoms.
• Treating colds, coughs, or fever in babies/toddlers/kids – Extract the juice from a warmed Panikoorka leaf (not more than a teaspoon per dose). This remedy is safe and soothing. For elder children, mixing the juice with a little honey not only enhances the taste but also boosts immunity.
• Treating sore throats – Leaf juice is often mixed with honey to treat sore throat and minor infections.
• Skin conditions – Crushed leaves are applied to treat wounds, insect bites, rashes, and skin irritations. Its antimicrobial properties help prevent infections.
• Digestive disorders – Chewing fresh leaves or consuming decoctions helps alleviate indigestion, flatulence, stomach cramps, and colic
• Steam Inhalation: Leaves are boiled, and the steam is inhaled to relieve nasal congestion and sinus issues.
• Lactation and Postpartum Health – Enhances lactation in nursing mothers. Study mentioned here
• Hair care – Add the leaves while preparing medicated oils or add a few drops of essential oil.
• For minor wounds and boils – Apply grinded paste of leaves

Recipes

• Doddapathre Soppina Saaru
• Doddapathre Tambuli
• Doddapathre Chithranna
• Doddapathre rasam
• Karpooravalli Tea
• Bajji/Snacks
• Chutney
• Thuvayal
• Soup for lacatation cooked by Bataknese women in Simalungun – 120-150 g of young Karpooravalli leaves and their stems (≈0.5-1 cm from the tip), branch are rinsed and cleaned. The leaves are macerated and then squeezed to remove the bitter-tasting water. Coconut milk, a glass of water, and slices of chicken are cooked together in a pot—catfish can be an alternative to sliced chicken. The chicken adds flavor to the soup. Boil until the chicken is cooked. Ingredients such as salt, garlic, brown onion, and curcuma are cooked separately in a pan and added later. The leaves are then added, and the mixture is brought to boil. Lemon juice is added, and the soup is then removed from the heat. The dish is then ready to serve.
• Sharbat
• Dal
• Kaadhas/Chukku Kaapi(my recipe) – Boil a few leaves of Tulsi, ajwain leaves in 2 cups of water. Once it starts to rolling boil add some palm jaggery, dried ginger powder, a half tsp of coriander seeds, and a few pinches of crushed black pepper, filter coffee powder(optional). Let it boil and reduce it to one cup. Drink it warm.
• Karpooravallikhand
• Karpooravalli Kulambu
• Karpooravalli leaf pickle

Read more

• Wild Turmeric

Real Ajwain/Carom/Omam

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