I remember as a child when allergic rash would erupt on the skin, I would crush Cuban Oregano leaves and apply over it and also follow the advice of consuming two or three leaves to get relief.
Cuban Oregano is also known as Country borage, French thyme, Indian borage, Indian mint, Mexican mint, Soup mint, Spanish thyme, Big thyme, Thick leaf thyme or broad leaf thyme, Mexican thyme, Queen of herbs, Three-in-one herb, all herb, and Mother of herbs . In Hindi and Marathi it is known as Patharchur, Patta ajwain, in Sanskrit, Tamil and Telugu it is known as Karpoora valli, in Kannada it is known as Dodda Pathre.
Botanical name is Plectranthus amboinicus and belongs to Lamiaceae family.
The plant is a succulent herb, and grows to 1 meter in height. The stalk is hairy. The aromatic leaves are 4 to 10 cm long and 3 to 9 cms broad. The leaves can be green or bi-color and are thick and velvety.
Flowers are pale blue, mauve, or pink. They are 8 to 12 mm long.
The leaves are used in traditional medicine as it contains high amount of vitamin’s C, A and E; also minerals and phosphates. It is used to cure cold, cough, skin allergies, and flatulence.
Cuban Oregano leaves are used extensively in Karnataka to make side dishes and fritters.
Propagation:
It is very easily grown from cuttings. Prune to get more branches and leaves. It is good to grow in hanging pots.
Recipes using Cuban Oregano leaves:
Thambuli
Doddapatre Bonda
