The Panadol plant (Plectranthus caninus (formerly Coleus caninus) is a very useful herb with many uses. From medicine to cooking and landscaping, this herb is great when grown and used properly.
This tender herb, part of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is found in Africa (southern and eastern regions) and South Asia.
Panadol is a pretty plant for your garden. It has oval-shaped gray-green leaves about 3 inches long. In late spring and summer, it produces dark violet-blue flowers on spikes up to 8 inches long.
Panadol plant gives you a compound that reduces pain and lowers fever. This is a natural cure for many discomforts headaches, muscle aches, and fevers.
Botanical Characteristics
At first glance, the Panadol plant looks like its cousins. The leaves are pretty and circular around the stems. Depending on the environment, they can be annuals or short-lived perennials. Because of their leafy water storage, they are semi-succulents.

Traditionally, the Panadol plant has been used to treat colds andtooth and gum problems. It also adds a nice twist to seasoning mixes. Because of its strong aroma and slightly bitter taste. But its strong medicinal scent and overpowering taste make it not good for cooking.
Medicinal Uses of Panadol Plant
Herbalists have been raving about Panadol’s uses for ages, but its full potential in pharmaceutical research is still unexplored. However, novice gardeners and foodies can enjoy its lavender flowers and maybe brew a cup of tea from its leaves.
Panadol has a treasure trove of essential oils. When extracted and used properly, these oils can be used in herbal remedies for various illnesses. The leaves and branched taproot contain phytochemicals that can help with gum and dental problems and root extracts can be used to treat coughs correctly.
Panadol Phytochemicals
Like its minty cousins, Panadol releases beneficial phytochemicals when brewed as tea. Boiling the leaves releases anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds for oral, digestive, and respiratory issues. The panadol plant also has cytotoxic and antioxidant properties, which can be used for more serious conditions like cancer.
Historically the Panadol plant was used for its medicinal properties and was brewed as a tea. Making Panadol bush tea is easy:
Ancient Remedies
Traditionally Panadol leaves and its botanical cousins have been used to treat skin conditions and aid nursing mothers in breast cleansing. These antimicrobial leaves have an eucalyptus like aroma and may help prevent skin infections. Use responsibly, dilute tea or spot test the leaves for all herbal remedies.
Essential Oil Components
Panadol essential oil is mostly camphor and a-thujene. Camphor, a monoterpene, is a topical remedy and antitussive (inhaled). It’s known for its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to relieve mouth pain, itching, and cough, but more scientific validation isneeded.
A-thujene, another monoterpene, gives mild pain relief and antibacterial properties and contributes to the aroma and flavor of Panadol. These components, along with trace compounds, can kill a range of pathogens and show the potential of the Panadol plant to treat microbial diseases.
Medicinal Properties
A prevalent misconception suggests that Panadol contains paracetamol. In truth, the Panadol plant does not contain any trace of this analgesic compound. The confusion likely stems from the existence of the drugstore product “Panadol.” While some “Panadol” products contain paracetamol, they do not emulate the effects of the Panadol plant. Any similarities arise from their shared antimicrobial properties, rather than chemical composition.
Panadol bush contains compounds like Camphor and Alpha Thujene (a-thujene), which offer:
These attributes partially explain the plant’s historical comparisons to Panadol.
Use of Panadol in the Kitchen
If you’re an adventurous cook you can use Panadol as a seasoning in your dishes. With a texture and smell like oregano, the crushed leaves add depth to many recipes. Slightly bitter, these leaves go well with other herbs and are a great seasoning for many meat dishes. Be careful when experimenting with the amount of Panadol leaves in your recipes.
Growing Panadol
Panadol is a low-spreading herb that rarely grows more than 60cm (24 inches) high. In the wild, it grows in clusters near rocky outcrops, under trees, or in open, dry woodlands. When growing it in your garden, choose well-draining soil and full to partial sun.
USDA zones 10 – 11, warm climates and loamy to sandy soil, roots can spread. It grows fast under ideal conditions. If growing with other delicate herbs, contain their roots in pots or containers. In temperate climates it can be grown as an annual, with spring and summer to produce lots of leaves and flowers.
Zones 10 and 11, can winter in zones 9 and 8 with mulch. This drought-tolerant plant requires supplemental watering only during elevated summer temperatures
Planting Panadol
Panadol loves warm weather and can germinate when soil temps are above 15.5˚C (60˚F). Seeds can be harvested from dried flower heads and sown indoors or in a protected spot outdoors, especially in temperate areas where a greenhouse is recommended before the last frost.
Sow Panadol seeds in a moist, sterile starter mix; keep warm and partial light for germination. After a few weeks, seedlings with their first true leaves can be transplanted into individual pots. Once they get big enough, they can be moved outdoors, weather permitting.
Safety Precautions
Because of its complex essential oil, Panadol can be toxic if ingested in large amounts and cause nausea and vomiting. Use small doses when growing for herbal use. The pungent smell also deters scent-sensitive animals like cats and dogs, so it’s a good choice for pet owners. But the camphor leaves are toxic to livestock.
Not an Invasive Species
Luckily Panadol is not invasive even though it can grow and spread quickly. It has naturalised outside its native range but doesn’t cause ecological harm. Many of its mint family relatives are invasive.
Where to Buy Panadol?
You can buy Panadol seeds or young plants from nurseries, commercial herb gardens or online plant sellers. Before buying this plant make sure your local conditions are suitable for it. Be aware that Panadol can affect pets.
Origins and Growth
The Panadol plant (Plectranthus Caninus Roth) was first discovered and collected in India but has since traveled the world. It’s listed as a native in some parts of Africa but no details are available. There’s another similar looking plant with slight variations.
I got my Panadol plant cuttings from a friend in Trinidad where it grows well due to the large Indian population on the island. In some areas you can even find wild Panadol bushes.
Growing Panadol is very easy. Here’s how:
For limited spaces, consider cultivating your Panadol plant in a spacious pot.
Bonus Read | Panadol Plant 🌿
I’ve been using the Panadol plant for a few years now. I wasn’t aware of its benefits and uses back then. I may not have explored all of it, but I think it’s a must-have in every home. So, discover your Panadol plant and find out its secrets!
First of all, I like the Panadol Plant because it’s so easy to grow. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, you can still enjoy this plant. Just find a sunny spot, water it, and watch it grow.
Now, let’s talk about the best part – the medicinal uses of the Panadol Plant. This plant is a natural pain reliever, just like the over-the-counter medicine. Its compounds can help with headaches, muscle aches, and even fever. It’s like having your own pharmacy in your backyard!
Another reason I love this plant is its anti-inflammatory properties. If you have joint pain or inflammation, you’ll love the relief it can give. Harvest the leaves, make a soothing ointment, and apply it to the affected area—nature’s remedy at its best.
Now, let’s get down to business – how to grow and care for your Panadol Plant. Here’s what I do: I find a sunny spot in my garden where the plants can get full sun. This will help it grow strong and healthy.
I use well-draining soil mixed with some compost so my Panadol Plant gets all the nutrients it needs. I don’t overwater the plant, Which prefers slightly moist soil rather than soggy conditions.
To encourage bushy growth, I prune my Panadol Plant regularly. This also makes it easier to harvest the leaves when needed. When the leaves are mature, I harvest them carefully. Then, I dry them and store them in a cool, dark place for later use.
The Panadol Plant is a must-have in every garden. Its easy to grow, medicinal uses, and anti-inflammatory properties are a bonus. And it’s so easy to care for. So why not try it out and see for yourself? Your garden and your body will love you! Happy gardening! 🌱🌞