Comfort plant

Comfort Plant Benefits

If you've been to my garden recentlyMama Debra has slathered "Comfort Plant" juice on your bug bites, scrapes or---if you brought your dog---hot spots.

I’m informally testing the herbal benefits of Plectranthus amboinicus, a semi-succulent with velvety, juicy leaves.

If you think "stinky" when it comes to Plectranthus, think again. Unlike better-known species, comfort plant doesn't smell like cat urine or Vicks. I actually like its eucalyptus-camphor aroma.

Comfort plant in Debra's garden (c) Debra Lee Baldwin)

Comfort Plant in my garden. Leaves are one to two inches wide.

In the mint family, it's an edible, pleasant-looking addition to the garden. But what's exciting is that this Asian-African perennial's therapeutic benefits may exceed those of Aloe vera.

What Scientists Say

As you know, I'm both journalist and horticulturist. I'm highly skeptical of high-falutin' claims---and you should be too. But after researching comfort plant, I've found that scientists credit it with properties beyond my expectations. Here are two examples (there are others):

According to the scientific journal Molecules (March, 2016), "Botanical, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Nutritional Significance of Plectranthus amboinicus":

“Studies have cited numerous pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antitumor, wound healing, anti-epileptic, larvicidal, antioxidant and analgesic activities. Also, it has been found to be effective against respiratory, cardiovascular, oral, skin, digestive and urinary diseases. This article allows researchers to further explore the further potential of this multi-utility herb for various biomedical applications."

From the journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, “Analgesic and Antiinflammatory Activies of the Aqueous Extract from Plectranthus amboinicus,” 2012: 

"This herb has therapeutic and nutritional properties attributed to its natural phytochemical compounds which are highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry. Besides, it has horticultural properties due to its aromatic nature and essential oil producing capability. It is widely used in folk medicine to treat conditions like cold, asthma, constipation, headache, cough, fever and skin diseases. The leaves of the plant are often eaten raw or used as flavoring agents, or incorporated as ingredients in the preparation of traditional food." 

Where To Find It

I first learned about Comfort Plant when Annie Schreck of Mountain Crest Gardens and I visited Waterwise Botanicals nursery. WWB's Tom Jesch shared his personal experiences with the herb. (Those of you who know Tom know he has health issues---I hope I'm not being indiscreet in mentioning that.)

These two nurseries, both of which I respect highly, are introducing comfort plant to USA markets this month. If you live within driving distance, obtain it at Waterwise Botanicals north of San Diego; if not, online from Mountain Crest Gardens.

Comfort Plant Herbal Benefits Edit I’ve been informally testing the herbal benefits of this Asian-African perennial with velvety, juicy leaves. If you’ve been to my garden recently, Mama Debra has crushed and smeared the juice of Comfort Plant (Plectranthus amboinicus) on your bug bites, scrapes or—if you brought your dog—hot spots. If you think “stinky” when it comes to Plectranthus, unlike better-known species, P. amboinicus doesn’t smell like cat urine or Vicks. I actually like its eucalyptus-camphor aroma. Therapeutically, its herbal benefits may even exceed those of Aloe vera. WHAT SCIENTISTS SAY From the journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, “Analgesic and Antiinflammatory Activies of the Aqueous Extract from Plectranthus amboinicus,” 2012: “This herb has therapeutic and nutritional properties attributed to its natural phytochemical compounds which are highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry. Besides, it has horticultural properties due to its aromatic nature and essential oil producing capability. It is widely used in folk medicine to treat conditions like cold, asthma, constipation, headache, cough, fever and skin diseases. The leaves of the plant are often eaten raw or used as flavoring agents, or incorporated as ingredients in the preparation of traditional food.” And according to “Plectranthus amboinicus: Botanical, Phytochemical, Pharmacological and Nutritional Significance,” in the scientific journal Molecules, March 2016: “Studies have cited numerous pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antitumor, wound healing, anti-epileptic, larvicidal, antioxidant and analgesic activities. Also, it has been found to be effective against respiratory, cardiovascular, oral, skin, digestive and urinary diseases. This article allows researchers to further explore the further potential of this multi-utility herb for various biomedical applications.” WHERE TO FIND IT Two major succulent nurseries are proudly introducing Comfort Plant to the USA this week: Waterwise Botanicals and Mountain Crest Gardens. My own (thank you, WWB) is still in my side-yard nursery where new plants land. I’ll soon move it to a hanging pot where stems can trail several feet and leaves are easier to harvest. Say, if you were here recently, how’s that rash? Learn more about this new-yet-ancient ornamental ~ Comfort Plant

NEW VIDEO: "How do you get the juice?" botanical researcher Annie Schreck of Mountain Crest Gardens asks Tom Jesch of Waterwise Botanicals nursery.  

Comfort Plant Care

Comfort Plant is as easy to grow as mint or, say, scented geraniums. Similar to trailing succulents, it wants:

  • good soil
  • protection from harsh midday sun, especially in summer
  • good air circulation
  • regular water
  • protection from frost
  • fertilizer to encourage lush growth

As you would any plant you might use in tea or salads, don't apply pesticides. And don't overdo it.  High doses could be toxic, so err on the side of caution.

My own Comfort Plant (thank you, WWB) is in my side-yard nursery where new plants land. I'll soon move it to a hanging pot where stems can trail several feet, leaves are easy to harvest, and it'll be sheltered from cold in winter.

Say, if you were here recently, how's that rash? 

LEARN MORE about this new-yet-ancient herb on the...

Related Info

Aloe vera leaf sliced (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Why You Should Grow Aloe Vera

Can you grow Aloe vera in your garden as an ornamental plant and harvest its medicinal leaves? Yes, but heed cautions below. This midsized succulent with tall, slender yellow flowers is famous for gel that soothes minor burns and skin irritations.

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1 Comment

  1. Tari Colbry, Little Succulent Shop on August 23, 2021 at 10:44 pm

    I’ve used Plectranthis Amboinicus (your Comfort Plant article) when I have Euphorbia sap in my eye. Juice the leaves into my palm and apply in my eye. Takes the burn from a several hour problem to about a 30 min issue. I’m not a horticulturist but I learned this from one… 🙂

    On a happier note, Euphorbia Firestick gets its best color in cool weather, when it turns more electric orange and gorgeous.

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