Malabar Catmint

Scientific name of Malabar Catmint: Anisomeles malabarica / Anisomeles salviifolia

Name of Malabar Catmint in different languages:-

English: Catmint, Malabarica

Sanskrit: Sprikka, Mahadronah-महाद्रोण, Vaikunthah-वैकुंठ

Hindi: Gopoli, Codhara

Tamil: Peyimarutti

Malayalam: Perumtumpa-പെരുംതുമ്പ, Karimtumba-കരിംതുമ്പ

Plant description:

Malabar Catmint is a perennial shrub, found all over India, grows as a weed, and grows up to 2 m tall. Branches are many, hairy, and somewhat sub-quadrangular. Leaves are velvety, ovate to oblong, rounded at base, acute at apex, size up to 8 cm long and 3 cm broad, Inflorescence is a single terminal spike, up to 1.8 cm long, flower is lilac to pale blue, found throughout the year.

Useful plant parts:

Whole plant

Leaf Arrangement

Medicinal uses:

To treat various infectious diseases, as a wound healer, carminative, anorexia, swelling, rheumatism, astringent, febrifuge, and fevers the whole plant is used as a tonic.

Chemical contents:

Anti-bacterial, Anti-allergic, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides.

Ayurveda medicinal uses of Malabar Catmint

Here are some of its potential Ayurvedic medicinal applications:

1. Digestive Health: Malabar Catmint is believed to aid digestion and may be used to alleviate digestive disorders like indigestion, flatulence, and bloating.
2. Respiratory Support: It is used in cases of respiratory issues like coughs and colds, where it is believed to help clear congestion and soothe the respiratory tract.
3. Antimicrobial Properties: Malabar Catmint is thought to have antimicrobial properties and may be used to address certain infections.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: It is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, potentially benefiting conditions characterized by inflammation.
5. Wound Healing: It may be applied topically to assist in the healing of wounds and injuries.
6. Fever Management: It is believed to have properties that may help in reducing fever.
7. Relief from Respiratory Disorders: It may be used to alleviate symptoms of respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchitis.
8. Mouth and Throat Health: It may be used for oral hygiene and to soothe sore throats.
9. Antioxidant Effects: It is believed to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage.
10. Urinary Disorders: Malabar Catmint is used in cases of urinary disorders and may help in maintaining urinary tract health.
11. Skin Conditions: It may be applied topically or taken internally for certain skin conditions.
12. Stress and Anxiety: It is believed to have calming effects on the nervous system and may be used for stress relief.

It is used as an ingredient to prepare the Ayurveda medicines like:

• Sahacharadi Kuzhambu
• NisosiradiThailam