Nochi is one of the remarkable herbs that have been utilised extensively in Ayurveda and Siddha healing systems. It’s known for its excellent therapeutic properties and diverse purposes, since ancient times. A major chunk of people are not aware of the health benefits related to Nochi and therefore, its use remains confined to villages only. As per Local 18 Tamil, the Nochi leaves can also be used for treating lung ailments. For using these herbs for the treatment of the lungs, you will be required to prepare a concoction by adding Nochi leaves and camphor leaves in boiling water. You are then required to inhale the steam arising from this mixture, which is said to eliminate the mucus in the lungs which is also known as phlegm or sputum. The mucus is a common symptom in chronic lung diseases such as COPD ( chronic bronchitis and emphysema), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, NTM lung disease, or asthma.

Besides ailments related to lungs, Nochi leaves can also be used for getting relief from body pain. As of now, the Nochi plants are being sold at a massive scale in Chennai and those not living in this state can also grow these plants in their homes by taking into use one of their branches only.

The scientific name of this plant is Vitex Negundo and it originated in South Africa. It can grow up to the height of 8 metres and belongs to the Lamiaceae, the mint family of flowering plants. Lamiaceae, the mint family of flowering plants, with 236 genera and more than 7,000 species, is the largest family of the order Lamiales. Nochi is also called Sarvaroganivarini or ‘all-cure’ medicine and is a potent anti-inflammatory, vermifuge, alterative, and astringent herb.

As per a report in the Times of India, the Chennai corporation had used the Nochi plants as a mosquito repellent. The former Mayor of Chennai had told TOI, “Through the parks department, we will distribute it to households along canals and plant it along the banks of the waterways. The plant reportedly contains Vitnocide Alkaloids, a chemical substance that keeps away mosquitos and flies.”