March 23rd, 2007 | admin

Panikoorka (Pashanbheda – Coleus Aromaticus) is an Ayurvedic herb of Kerala, with various names – navara or navarayila, karpooravalli, omavalli, suganda, pashanbheda (pashanbhanda) etc. Its Latin name is also variable – Coleus aromaticus and Plectranthus amboinicus refer to the same plant.

The bluntly teethed leaves are fleshy with light green color. The stem is weak and spread on the ground. The stem and base will rot with water logging. Propagation is quite easy with stem cuttings.

Panikkoorka is used in the treatment of a variety of diseases affected by virus, bacteria and other microbes. Indigestion, diarrhea, rheumatism, whooping cough, bronchitis, tooth ache, etc are also treated with medicines prepared from the leaves of this plant. It is also an effective antidote for insect bites.

It is also used in the treatment of skin disorders, dandruff and different types of allergies.

Coleus aromaticus belongs to the family laminaceae.