Coleus (Coleus forskohlii)
Photo: Naturalis Biodiversity Center · CC0
- Head and Neck
- 2 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Analgesic (Anodyne) & Antiseptic: Eugenol content helps relieve pain (e.g., toothaches) and kill bacteria. Aromatic & Carminative: Eases digestive discomfort such as gas, bloating, and colic. Counterirritant & Stimulant: Improves local blood flow, especially when used in liniments, and can gently energize the mind/body. Vermifuge: Traditionally used to expel intestinal parasites.
Traditional uses & properties
Heart & Circulatory Tonic: May aid congestive heart failure, poor coronary blood flow, and lower high blood pressure. Antispasmodic & Bronchodilator: Relaxes smooth muscle, helpful in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory complaints. Digestive Remedy: Traditionally taken for gas and bloating. Potential Thyroid Support: Stimulates thyroid hormone release, possibly improving metabolism.
Safety & precautions
Circulatory & Glaucoma: Do not self-treat serious conditions like heart failure or elevated eye pressure without professional oversight. General Use: While the single compound forskolin is well-studied, the whole herb has not undergone extensive research; use with caution.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to the plains and lower Himalayan slopes of India, coleus also grows in other subtropical or warm-temperate regions (e.g., Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, parts of Africa). Now cultivated commercially, especially in Gujarat, it prefers well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Harvest takes place in autumn, collecting both root and leaves.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Coleus (Coleus forskohlii) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Coleus (Coleus forskohlii) as follows: Heart & Circulatory Tonic: May aid congestive heart failure, poor coronary blood flow, and lower high blood pressure. Antispasmodic & Bronchodilator: Relaxes smooth muscle, helpful in asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory complaints. Digestive Remedy: Traditionally taken for gas and bloating. Potential Thyroid Support: Stimulates thyroid hormone release, possibly improving metabolism.
What safety cautions apply to Coleus (Coleus forskohlii)?
Circulatory & Glaucoma: Do not self-treat serious conditions like heart failure or elevated eye pressure without professional oversight. General Use: While the single compound forskolin is well-studied, the whole herb has not undergone extensive research; use with caution.
Related herbs
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