From the herb garden

Coleus -

Coleus forskolii ( Plectranthus barbatus )

Folk names: Indian coleus, forskolii,boldo brasileiro, Oxalá's carpet, false boldo, makandi , mao hou qiao rui hua, pashanabhedi

photo pending

Family	Labiateae/ Lamiaceae
Genus	Coleus
Species	Forskolii
Part(s) used	Root

Actions

Cardio tonic, hypotensive, vasodilator, positive inotropic, platelet aggregation inhibitory, and smooth muscle relaxant activities; also lowers intraocular pressure and promotes release of hormones from the pituitary gland. (what these mean)

Uses

Used to lower high blood pressure and as a tonic for the Heart. Coleus mildly stimulates the metabolism by increasing thyroid hormones and increases the secretion of insulin. It has been used for asthma and also for weight loss. Coleus forskohlii can be used as eye drops to reduce eye pressure in glaucoma.

Majikal uses

none Known

Constituents

Forskoliin, rosemarinic acid, flavonoid glucronides, diterpenoids, essential oil, Diterpenes, Coleonol, diterpenes, naphthopyrone

Please note: Care should be used when taking coleus with any other medication to control asthma or cardiac disease. For those taking blood pressure and heart medications such as beta-blockers, clonidine, hydralazine, the herb should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Similarly, blood thinners, including warfarin and heparin require that coleus be taken with caution under a physician’s care.