According to experts in the field of nutrition, the Torbangun plant could be one of the cures for diabetes. Today I would like to share with you some information from that research and some additional notes and photos of this plant.
Torbangun is semi-succulent and comes from the Lamiaceae family. It is a perennial plant (lives for more than two years) and has an oregano-like flavor and odor. This plant is now found in the tropics but originates from Africa (Southern and Eastern).
It is used as a spice, for medicinal purposes, and for decorative purposes. Some other names for this plant are:
- Coleus Amboinicus Lour
- Plectranthus Amboinicus
- Country Borage
- Indian Borage
- Cuban Oregano
- Spanish Thyme
There are many herbs for diabetes which include the Torbangun plant but at this point, let me hurry and show you what it looks like. Please see the picture below.

Blood Sugar and Torbangun
Quercetin is an antioxidant found in the leaves of the Torbangun plant. This flavonoid plays a major role in the control of our blood glucose. It also corrects oxidative stress in diabetic rats.
Cholesterol Help
It was also discovered that when this plant was given for at least two weeks, cholesterol levels also improved. The reminder that high cholesterol is an issue for a number of diabetics is worth mentioning.
The Case for Breast Milk
Interestingly, this plant is also used to increase the production of breast milk. This then leads to healthy weight gain and growth for the baby.
Mothers who took this herb saw as much as a 65% increase in the production of breast milk. Please note that they took the supplement for only four weeks and the results were seen halfway through the four weeks.
Medicinal Uses
Please see below for some of the other medicinal uses of the Torbangun plant:
- Respiratory related issues (used to treat coughs, nasal congestion, and sore throat)
- Antiseptic
- Appetizing
- Digestive issues
- Diuretic
- Rheumatism
- Flatulence
- Fever due to Malaria
- Colic
- Epilepsy
- Skin lesions
- Asthma
- Hiccup
- Scorpion bite
- Wounds
- Diarrhea
Soup it Up
The Torbangun plant can be used by placing the leaves in soup. I also read where it can be used in other liquid meals, but, the author was not clear if it should be cooked first or eaten raw.
Earlier I mentioned that it has an oregano flavor and hence it would go nicely in our soup. Nothing to beat a warm bowl of soup with the smell of oregano.
A Word of Caution
I also found in my research that we should exercise caution when taking blood thinners as Torbangun Plant could have a negative effect.
I certainly plan to continue to research this plant, especially as it relates to diabetes. Yes, the struggle continues, but, every day we get closer to the end of the tunnel.
Comments are Welcome
Please feel free to share your information with us. Do add to the discussion below. I would love to hear your findings and thoughts about the Torbangun Plant. You may do so in the comment box below.
Reference
- “Herbs Prove to Boost Breast Milk Production.” Heal Naturally, 29 Sept. 2019, www.realnatural.org/traditional-herbal-remedies-proven-to-increase-breast-milk-production/.
- Person. “Nutritionist: Torbangun Plant Highly Effective to Cure Diabetes.” Tempo, TEMPO.CO, 23 July 2017, en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/07/23/240893657/Nutritionist-Torbangun-Plant-Highly-Effective-to-Cure-Diabetes.
- Suryowati, Trini & Damanik, Rizal & Bintang, Maria & Handharyani, Ekowati. (2015). Antihyperlipidemic Activity of Torbangun Extract (Coleus amboinicus Lour) on Diabetic Rats Induced by Streptozotocin. IOSR Journal of Pharmacy. 5. 50-54.
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That’s awesome to have a herb that could cure diabetes!
I would love to try it and see if it works. Do you know if it’s available in the USA?
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Dinh, thanks for the question. Unfortunately, I have not been able to locate the said plant, but, I have been researching and using this instead and I am doing just fine without medication. I combine cumin powder and ginger to make a lovely tea and this has been doing wonders for me.
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Hello, I am looking for this herb in a powder form for a Dietary Supplement. We manufacture powders and Capsules and we have a customer interested in this product.
Do you know of any manufacturers or distributors in an Organic form? In the US?
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Thanks for stopping and making a comment. I do not know of any distributors, but I will send you a link once I get that kind of information. Be blessed.