Karpooravalli scientific name is Plectranthus amboinicus and once it was identified as Coleus amboinicus. Karpooravalli is also known as Indian Borage in English.

The leaves are tender and soft with an astringent taste from the juice when it is chewed raw. Sadly, I don’t see this plant in any herbs list although it is a herb. Karpooravalli can be cooked and eaten raw.

Any South Indian household with a baby or child will definitely come across Karpooravalli which is famous as traditional medicine. I have personally used it for my 2 years old son when he develop chesty cough and flu.

Karpooravalli Health Benefits and Medicinal uses

– Helps to alleviate cold and cough.
– Used to reduce nasal congestion and sore throats in adults.
– Karpooravalli concoction is used to treat asthma and bronchitis.
– Helps in digestion if stomach is upset.
– Used in cooking and flavouring of dishes.
– Karpooravalli is also planted to keep aedes mosquitoes away in Tropical countries.

Karpooravalli can be planted in Mediterranean and sub-tropical climate too. It needs some heat to grow well. Green house can be utilized to trap the heat needed by the plant. Frequent watering is also required during hot summer months for the leaves to stay fresh and healthy.

I know this plant from the age of 6 as my Grandma was an avid gardener with various traditional herbs in our small backyard. I have karpooravalli grown in a pot at my backyard. In future, I want my child and grandchildren to have herbs and traditional plants in their backyard too.