A visit to Lakshmi Garden - Coleus forskohlii (Markandi)

A beautiful sweet aroma surrounds the Lakshmi garden attracting lots of bees. 🐝🐝
This plant is called Coleus forskohlii also known as Markandi in Sanskrit. 🪴

The Ayurvedic properties are: 📚
Rasa (taste): tikta(bitter) and, katu (hot) and madhura (sweet)
Guna (qualities): tikshna (sharp)
Virya (potency): ushna (heating)
Vipaka (post digestive taste): Madhura (sweet)
Karma (action): Vata Kapha pacifying 

In Ayurveda, it has the following usages: 
🪴Promotes digestive fire and reduces digestive toxins (Agnideepana, Pachana)
🪴Anaemia (Pandu)
🪴Disorder of the spleen (Pleeha roga)
🪴Reduces oedema (Shothatara)å
🪴Blood purifier (Raktashodhana) 

In Ayurveda it is used in the treatment of hypertension, congestive heart failure, eczema, painful urination, respiratory disease, epilepsy and prevention of metastases.

The roots and stems contain forskolin and volatile oil. Forskolin is a subject of interest for many scientists for its potential medicinal properties for heart health, weight management, respiratory health, anti cancer and Glaucoma. Interesting as this is what Ayurveda uses it for 🤩

Weight Management:
Some studies suggest that forskolin may aid in weight management by promoting the breakdown of stored fats and increasing lean body mass. 

Heart Health:♥️
Forskolin has been studied for its potential cardiovascular benefits. It may help dilate blood vessels, leading to improved blood flow. Additionally, it may have positive inotropic effects, enhancing the force of heart contractions

Respiratory Health:🫁
Forskolin has been traditionally used to support respiratory health. It may help relax muscles in the bronchial tubes, potentially aiding in conditions like asthma.

Glaucoma:👁️
Some research suggests that forskolin eye drops may be beneficial in reducing intraocular pressure, making it a topic of interest in managing glaucoma.

Another amazing herb from the Ayurvedic pharmacy. I hope we will hear more of this in future and it will get all the credit it deserves. 
With Love, Karin and the Lakshmi team 🐝

PS: In the Gujarati region the fresh roots and twigs are used for making pickles. It is there commonly known as Garmar.