Forskohlii, also referred to as Forskolin, Indian Coleus or False Boldo, is a herb that was traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine, but with numerous practical applications in modern medicine. This is article explores the various uses of the herb, from aiding in weight loss,to hypertension, to boosting sexual libido.
But first let us note that biologically, Coleus Forskohlii is a plant from the family of Lamiaceae or the mint family and that its botanical name is Plectranthus barbatus.
What is Coleus Forskohlii Used For?
Weight Loss
To aid in weight loss, the mode of action of Coleus Forskohlii is twofold; a. A Concentrated extract of the herb has fat-burning properties. This has been shown in clinical trials such as one reported by the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Society, in which obese men showed significant improvement.b. It also acts as an appetite depressant, which has the effect of discouraging the consumption of food in those seeking to lose weight.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Coleus Forskohlii, as early mentioned, was, and is still used, for Ayurveda. This is an ancient, holistic, medical system from India that emphasizes the healing of body, mind, and spirit through lifestyle, diet,and cleansing.
It is ,therefore, the holistic properties of Coleus, which are both cleansing and restorative, that have been sought after for generations under this medicinal system.
Relief From Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a painful eye condition that results from high ocular pressure inside the eye. As studies on glaucoma treatment continue to be conducted, Coleus Forskohlii has, so far, shown the ability to reduce ocular pressure and aid in the treatment of the condition.
Asthma and Allergic ReactionsBy stabilizing body cells responsible for the release of histamines, which trigger allergies, and relaxing smooth tissues of the muscle, Coleus Forskohlii is important in the treatment of allergic respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Reducing Hypertension
The herb controls hypertension, or high blood pressure, by strengthening the walls of the heart and those of the blood vessels, producing a more powerful heartbeat which then widens the walls of blood vessels thereby lowering blood pressure.
Boosting Sexual Libido
Coleus Forskohlii is among the various nutritional supplements recommended for boosting the male hormone testosterone, responsible for sexual vigor. In addition, by strengthening the heartbeat while lowering blood pressure, sexual performance has been shown to improve using extracts from the herb.
Treatment of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by dry, rough, dead skin on the scalp, knees, groin or lower back. The exact cause is not exactly known but scientists suspect a weak immune system could be among the causes.
Because of its ability to boost the body’s immune system, Coleus Forskohlii is among the various remedies prescribed for the skin condition.
Relief From Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
This is a disorder of the intestines with symptoms such as irregular bowel movements, abdominal pains, cramps and bloating. Coleus Forskohlii provides relief against this condition by acting on the inflammation of the intestines which aids in the process of digestion thus providing relief against IBS.
Boosting Metabolism
Closely related to providing relief against IBS, Coleus Forskohlii aids in the digestive process by boosting the production of stomach acids thus aiding in digestion thus improving our metabolism.
Other Benefits
In addition to other benefits such as relief from menstrual pains, scientific research in various parts of the world is currently ongoing on the undiscovered medicinal benefits of this useful herb.
Last Updated on July 27, 2021
