YourDailyVeda logoYourDailyVedaRooted in Nature, brewed for life
Herb library

Makandi / Pashanabhedi (Indian Coleus / Forskolin)

Coleus (Indian Coleus / Forskolin)

Coleus forskohlii

Aromatic Indian root (forskolin) used for metabolism, heart tone and easy breathing.

Coleus plant · Herb · Parts: Root, Leaf

Taste (rasa)
Pungent, Bitter
Energy (virya)
Heating
Balances
Kapha

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Traditionally used to reduce Kapha heaviness and support metabolism
  • Classical use for chest tightness and easy breathing
  • Root is used in Ayurveda for digestive fire and stone-related discomfort

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Makandi, known in classical texts as a pathya root for stone and Kapha disorders, is the plant modern research knows for forskolin — pungent, heating and reducing.

Traditional uses

  • Kapha-type heaviness and slow metabolism
  • Chest tightness and difficult breathing
  • Weak digestive fire and urinary gravel

Practical guidance

  1. 1The fresh root is traditionally pickled and eaten in small amounts with meals.
  2. 2Because it relaxes blood vessels, do not stack it on top of blood-pressure medicine without supervision.
  3. 3Stop at least two weeks before any surgery.

How much

Dosage

1-2 g dried root powder daily, or standardised forskolin extract as directed.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Root powder

Stir 1 g powder into warm water.

Before lunch

Pickled root

The fresh root is traditionally pickled and eaten in small quantities with food.

With meals

Read this first

Precautions

  • Can lower blood pressure — avoid with antihypertensive medication unless supervised
  • Avoid with blood thinners and before surgery
  • Not for use in pregnancy or with active stomach ulcers

Where this comes from

Sources

Used forEnergy & FocusDigestion & GutImmunity & Recovery

Common questions

What is Coleus used for?

Aromatic Indian root (forskolin) used for metabolism, heart tone and easy breathing. In traditional use the main applications are: Traditionally used to reduce Kapha heaviness and support metabolism; Classical use for chest tightness and easy breathing; Root is used in Ayurveda for digestive fire and stone-related discomfort.

What is the typical dosage of Coleus?

1-2 g dried root powder daily, or standardised forskolin extract as directed. Amounts vary with age, constitution and health status, so confirm your own dose with a qualified practitioner.

How and when should Coleus be taken?

Root powder: Stir 1 g powder into warm water. Timing — Before lunch

Are there any precautions with Coleus?

Can lower blood pressure — avoid with antihypertensive medication unless supervised Avoid with blood thinners and before surgery Not for use in pregnancy or with active stomach ulcers Speak to a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you take prescription medication.

Does Coleus replace medical treatment?

No. This page documents traditional Ayurvedic use for education; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace prescribed medication or professional advice.

Where to buy

Shop this remedy

Affiliate links: we may earn a small commission if you buy through these shops, at no extra cost to you. We do not review or endorse any product. Read the full disclosure

If you buy, look for a batch-tested product that states the botanical name and tests for heavy metals. Check with your doctor first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.