-
Common Name
Coleus, Makandi
-
Botanical Name
Coleus forskohlii
-
Part Used
Root
-
Clinical Summary
-
Alcohol
50%
-
Dose
40 to 80mL weekly
Coleus is a traditional Ayurvedic herb which can have a pronounced effect on lowering blood pressure and also increases thyroid hormone production and secretion.
-
Traditional Use
Coleus has a long history of use in Asian traditional systems of medicine where it is used as a diuretic, a blood purifier and to decrease blood pressure.
-
Actions
Hypotensive, antiplatelet, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cardiotonic, digestive stimulant
-
Indications
• Hypertension, prevention of cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, cerebrovascular disease, congestive heart failure, angina.
• Asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
• Digestive weakness, non-alcoholic fatty liver
• Glaucoma (external and internal), psoriasis
• Debilitated thyroid gland to assist weight loss, autoimmune thyroid disease, diabetes, obesity -
Energetics
Neutral
-
Use in Pregnancy
Avoid using. Evidence from animal research suggests that high doses of coleus can inhibit embryo implantation and/or delay foetal development.
-
Contraindications & Cautions
Contraindicated in patients with hypotension. High doses may cause gastrointestinal symptoms
-
Drug Interactions
Avoid with antihypertensive drugs (such as calcium channel blockers used to lower blood pressure), anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs (such as aspirin and warfarin) and nitrates (drugs used to treat and prevent angina (heart pain, chest pain)). Coleus may be used in combination with thyroid medications to increase gland production if the person has not been on the medication long-term
-
Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
-
Substitutes
Arjuna, Hawthorn, Garlic, Bilberry, Green Tea, Pomegranate, Ginkgo, Withania, Bladderwrack