This little plant is a gift from heaven! It works better for inflamed sinuses and allergies than a nasal spray. Put it in your room and finally get a good night’s sleep!

Indian borage (Plectranthus amboinicus), also known as nádchovník or „Mexican eucalyptus“, is an unassuming house herb with pronounced effects on the respiratory tract. Its gently mentholated, slightly spicy scent clears the nose, soothes irritated mucous membranes and helps with a runny nose, colds and allergies. In the bedroom it also repels mosquitoes and contributes to better-quality sleep.

Why have Indian borage at home

• Relieves the airways: after rubbing a leaf between your fingers and inhaling, breathing quickly improves.
• Supports immunity: regular use helps cope with colds and seasonal allergies.
• Repels insects: naturally deters mosquitoes, great for bedrooms and children’s rooms.
• Home aromatherapy: a fresh leaf always at hand – just rub and inhale.

Easy growing and propagation

• Location: a bright spot by the window, without harsh midday sun.
• Watering: less is more – let the substrate dry out completely between waterings.
• Propagation: a piece of stem with a leaf into water or directly into soil; it will root within a few days.

How to tell it’s not doing well

• Brown spots: overwatering – reduce watering.
• Long thin stems: too little light – move closer to the window.
• Dry or sunburnt leaf edges: too much direct sun – choose diffused light.

How to use Indian borage

1) Quick home aromatherapy

Pick a fresh leaf, rub it between your fingers and lightly apply the resulting juice to the area under the nose. For a runny nose you can insert a small piece of leaf into a nostril for a few minutes (careful with children – always under supervision).

2) Indian borage tea

• Pour hot water (approx. 200 ml) over 1 fresh leaf.
• Steep for 5–8 minutes, then strain.
• Drink during colds, when tired or to soothe the airways.

3) Indian borage syrup (homemade recipe)

You will need: 30–40 medium Indian borage leaves, 1 kg granulated (or cane) sugar, 1 orange and 1 lemon (preferably untreated), water.

1. Wash the citrus fruits well and cut them, peel and all, into slices.
2. Put the cleaned (unwashed) leaves into a pot, add the citrus and cover with hot water so they are fully submerged. Cover and let steep at room temperature for 24–48 hours.
3. Strain the infusion through a fine sieve or cloth into a pot, bring to a boil and gradually add the sugar while stirring occasionally.
4. Simmer gently until the mixture takes on a honey-amber color and begins to thicken.
5. Tip: Test the thickness with a drop on a saucer – if it holds its shape, remove the syrup from the heat. It will thicken further as it cools.
6. Fill clean jars with the hot syrup, seal tightly and turn upside down. Store in a cool, dark place.

4) Disinfection and skin care

Indian borage has natural antiseptic properties. The squeezed juice from a fresh leaf can be used to treat small abrasions, insect bites, irritated areas after shaving or mild skin complaints.

Indian borage and children

The scent of Indian borage is pleasant to children and helps them breathe and sleep better. Place the plant in the child’s room out of the direct reach of small children. When using the leaves always ensure adult supervision.

For good sleep and fewer mosquitoes

In summer you’ll appreciate that the aroma of Indian borage naturally repels mosquitoes. Place the plant near a window in the bedroom – you’ll combine the pleasant with the useful: fresh air, better breathing and fewer insects.

Summary

Indian borage is a versatile household herb: it clears blocked sinuses, helps with allergies, supports immunity and also repels insects. It’s easy to grow, quickly propagates and its uses are wide-ranging – from aromatherapy and tea to syrup or topical disinfection. If you’re looking for a simple, natural way to improve your breathing and sleep, Indian borage shouldn’t be missing from your home.