Ova / ओवा / Indian Borage / Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.

Ova / ओवा / Indian Borage / Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.

Other Names

  • Local Name: Ova / ओवा
  • Common Name: Indian Borage
  • Botanical Name: Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng.

Status & Habitat

  • Status: Common. Cultivable
  • Habitat: Herb
  • Occurrence: Cultivated, open areas
  • Season of Availability: Year-round
  • Geography: Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India
  • Method of Propagation: Vegetative propagation
  • Part used for Propagation: Stem cuttings

Edible Parts

  • Edible Parts: Leaves
  • Can be Eaten Raw: Yes

Method of Consumption

  • Raw: Yes
  • Ripe: N/A
  • Both Raw & Ripe: N/A
  • Dangerous Form to Consume: N/A
  • As Food: Leaves are added to sabjis and curries for flavor; leaves may be fried as a bhaji.
  • As Medicine: Juice of plant is taken to increase appetite and treat indigestion; paste of leaves is applied to the head to treat headache.
  • Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Not required
  • Boiling Before Cooking: Not required
  • Pickling: N/A
  • Brining: N/A
  • Fermenting: N/A
  • Drying for later Consumption: N/A
  • Overall Method: Leaves are added to sabjis and curries for flavor; leaves may be fried as a bhaji.

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

  • Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamin C and A.
  • Medicinal Benefit: Digestive ailments, headache

Tribal Wisdom

  • Tribal Wisdom: Juice of plant is taken to increase appetite and treat indigestion; paste of leaves is applied to the head to treat headache.

Recipes / Usage

  • Tribal Recipe / Usage: Ova bhaji:
    Mix besan powder, salt, chili powder and cumin with water to make the batter. Dip washed ova leaves into the batter then deep fry in oil.