PANIKOORKA, THE NATURAL REMEDY FOR COUGH, COLD AND FEVER

Panikoorka plant is a common sight in most homes in the Southern states of India, especially Kerala. You will find them in the homes where small children are there. Panikoorka is an Ayurvedic herb , the leaves are used for treating common cold, cough and fever in babies and adults. There are references in Ayurveda of the usage of this herb.

The botanical name of Panikoorka is Plectranthus amboinicus . In India it is known as Indian borage, in Hindi known as Patta ajavayin, in Tamil – karpooravalli and referred as navaryila in Malayalam.

Panikoorka, natural remedy for fever, natural anti-pyretic

Panikoorka is very effective home remedy for cold, fever and cough in children. Leaves of panikoorka is squeezed and the juice is taken. A teaspoonful of Panikoorka juice when given to babies would cure their cough, cold, fever, sore throat, nasal congestion and chest congestion. Grownups should take 2 tablespoonful of juice to relieve fever.

Panikoorka, very effective for cough and chest congestion

Panikoorka is a natural expectorant for children. Boil the leaves of panikoorka for 5 mins in 1 cup of water. When cool feed 2 tspn of this decoction to children for curing their cough, and bronchitis.  Adults can take quarter cup of Panikoorka decoction for getting relief from chronic cough and bronchial asthma. Panikoorka is most effective in children. It is an effective natural remedy for excess phlegm and chest congestion. Ideal for asthma patients, they can consume decoction regularly for relief.

Panikoorka helps improve lactation

Panikoorka helps improve lactation in nursing mothers. The health benefits will be transferred to the child through milk.

Panikoorka addresses First aid too

Applying the extract of panikoorka leaves on the area relieves itching, infection, wounds etc. It is also an effective antidote for insect bites and scorpion bite. It is also used in the treatment of skin disorders, dandruff and different types of allergies.

Panikoorka can be consumed in different ways to minimize the bitter taste and strong odor.

The juice is extracted from leaves by placing them on a hot tava. The leaves will become transparent when hot. Remove from the tava and squeeze them with your fingers. In case of grown up you can directly squeeze the washed leaves with your fingers to collect juice.

Infants and Toddlers:

• Two three drops of panikoorka leaves juice would treat chest congestion, cough, and cold in infants. Two three drops of the juice when applied on head, would prevent cough and cold in children and adults.
• Panikoorka leaves extract can be mixed with honey and applied on mother’s breast so that infant will suck it when they drink milk. You can also apply panikoorka leaves on child’s lips.
• Panikoorka leaves extract can be mixed with powdered organic rock sugar (mishri in Hindi, Kalkandam in malayalam ) and given to toddlers for throat infection, cough and cold.

Children:

• When children complain of stomach pains, problem of worms , you can give Panikoorka leaves extract mixed with sugar three times a day.
• For relieving cough take a mix of panikoorka leaves extract, honey and lemon juice two times a day.
• Inhaling vapors with panikoorka leaves extract would cure cold and fever.

Adults:

• Add few leaves of Panikoorka into the boiling water for steam inhalation when you have cough and cold . If you are using vaporizer , dip a cotton ball into the Panikoorka juice extract and put it in the mouth of the vaporizer.
• People suffering with gas trouble and flatulence can have heated panikoorka leaves extract with honey twice daily. Grownups suffering from bronchial asthma can consume panikoorka leaves extract mixed with honey and kalkandam.

Panikoorka, flavouring ingredient for dishes.

Panikoorka is a good substitute for oregana flavor in dishes. Can be used to flavor dishes of meat – beef , lamb, etc. Panikoorka is very commonly grown as a potted plant. Indian Borage is a fast growing plant. Propagation is via stem cuttings. The herb grows easily in a well-drained, semi-shaded position.

Try out this snacky recipe which will relieve throat pain and fever:

Panikoorka bajji

Ingredients:

• Panikoorka leaves 10 – 12 nos
• Chana powder  -1 cup
• Onions finely chopped- ½ cup
• Green chillies finely chopped – 2 tsp
• Ginger finely chopped- ½ tsp
• Salt to taste
• Optional : addition of finely chopped curry leaves-1/2 tsp and Kothmir – 1 tsp

Mix all the ingredients. After 10 mins heat oil , dispense the mixture with a spoon into hot oil. Fry till it is brown. Drain bajjis onto tissue paper. Serve hot.