Plectranthus amboinicus, Lamiaceae, Indian borage, Country borage, French thyme

2008 June 25
by anthromes

I usually refer to this one as succulent oregano, because it smells like oregano and has fleshy stems and leaves. Filipinos call it oregano. It is called broad-leaf thyme in the West Indies. Although it can be used for culinary purposes in the same applications as thyme, oregano, or sage, in many areas P. amboinicus is more commonly employed as a medicine – as an aid in difficult digestion, for menstrual pains, rheumatic pains, and to aid flu symptoms. The aromatic leaves are used in india as a traditional cough medicine. In parts of Indonesia nursing mothers consume the leaves to increase milk flow. The essential oils extracted form the leaves are used in shampoos.

I have read reports that the plant can be smoked like cannabis.


 

 

4 Responses leave one →
  1. 2008 August 29

    A esta la conozco como ‘orégano de hoja grande’, valga la descripción :)

  2. 2008 October 27
    MJ Barnes permalink

    I need this herb in amounts of 15# to 60# at a time. Do you know of a grower?

    Thank you.

  3. 2009 June 16
    Anonymous permalink

    my topic thesis in country borage area. it is so, difficulties to find newly discovery…

  4. 2009 November 4

    Here in South Florida we call this Cuban Oregano. There are also some lovely variegated varieties, with cream or lime-colored edges. We use it in spaghetti sauce, but hadn’t heard of the medicinal properties before. I will look this up, as it could be useful to us. Thanks for the tips!

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