Botanical Overview
Ammi visnaga, commonly known as Bishop’s weed, Khella, or Visnaga, belongs to the Apiaceae family. The primary medicinal parts used are the fruit and seeds. It is native to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and West Asia.
Energetics
Ammi visnaga has a cooling temperature and neutral moisture energetics. It has bitter and sharp tastes, with ascending and outward directionality. Its tonicity is relaxing and it acts primarily on the qi dimension.
Primary Actions
- Spasmolytic
- Vasodilator
- Diuretic
Indications
Western
- Bronchospasm
- Angina pectoris
- Urinary tract spasms
- Renal colic
Syndromes
- Asthma
- Kidney stones
- Vascular spasm
Unani
- Renal colic
- Urinary tract spasms
- Chest pain
TCM
Syndromes
Ayurveda
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
Major phytochemicals include khellin, visnagin, furanochromones, and coumarins which contribute to its spasmolytic, vasodilatory, and diuretic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol, 2-4 mL 2-3 times daily
- Infusion from dried fruit 2-4 g, 2 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Use cautiously during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. May cause photosensitivity and hypotension. Avoid in hypotensive patients and monitor if used with antihypertensive medications.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable data found on planetary or elemental rulers for Ammi visnaga.
Selected References
- Ammi visnaga L., fructus, European Medicines Agency (2011)
- Ethnopharmacology of Ammi visnaga, Griggs J. (2019)
- Pharmacological effects of Ammi visnaga and its constituents, Ahmed M.K. et al. (2012)