Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

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Family

Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Synonym(s)

English name(s)

Tooth-pick plant

Hebrew Name(s)

amita qeitzit

אַמִּיתָה קֵיצִית

Arabic Name(s)

bedher khilleh بذر خلة
khilleh baladi خلة بلدي
saq al-'arus ساق العروس

Life Form

Annual

Habitat

Disturbed habitats

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam.

System/State	Traditional Complaint/Use	Activity / Interpretation	Traditional Preparation/ Administration	Parts Used	Source
Endocrine/ Metabolic	Diabetes	Hypoglycemic	Decoct fruits & drink x3 cups/day.	Fruit	Z
Gastrointestinal	Gallstones	Anti-lithic	1. Decoct fruit in water + "duqet 'adas" (Micromeria serpyllifolia) + radish seeds & drink. 2. Decoct fruits & drink x3 cups/day.	Fruit	Z
General	Reduce fever in internal inflammation	Anti-pyretic	Decoct fruits & drink x3 cups/day.	Fruit	Z
Helminth infections	Exterminate tapeworm (Taenia sp.)	Anthelmintic, Vermifuge	Use fruit (Preparation/ Admin. not specified.)	Fruit	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Kidney stones	Anti-lithic	1.Decoct flowers & drink x1 cup/day mornings. (B) 2. Decoct fruit in water & drink x3 cups/day. (Z)	Flower, Fruit	B, Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Urinary obstruction	Deobstruent	Cook fruit in water & drink.	Fruit	Z
Kidney & Urinary Tract	Urinary tract infection	Anti-Infective	Decoct flowers & drink x1 cup/day mornings.	Flower	B
Men`s Health	Prostate problems	Prostate health	Decoct flowers & drink 1 cup/day mornings.	Flower	B
Musculoskeletal/ Joints	Back pain	Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory	Decoct fruits & drink x3 cups/day.	Fruit	Z
Musculoskeletal/ Joints	Rheumatism	Analgesic, Anti-arthritic, Anti-inflammatory	Grind fruit, cook in olive oil & massage with oil.	Fruit	Z

Notes

1. Z notes that this species is also used to clean teeth using the umbel or inflorescence as a tooth pick (i.e. the short flower stalks spreading out from a common point like umbrella ribs that become woody after fruit is ripe)
2. Z quotes various Jewish & Arabic sources for the toothpick use: "A man takes a toothpick before him to clean his teeth' (Bitzah, 4,6); The answer to the Arabic name for this species ""Khilleh" ( i.e. "what is removed from the teeth with a toothpick) is "visnaga” (“misuak”) a toothbrush, a toothpick".
3. Z also mentions the long historical use of this species amongst Arabs for treating asthma & angina.
4. In the recipe for treating gallstones there is addition of "duqet 'adas" which Z adds in parenthesis is Micromeria serpyllifolia (a synonym of Micromeria fruticose). However Hebrew & Arabic names for the Micromeria genus are "zuta " or "zufa" therefore identity of this ingredient is unclear.

Cautions

Ammi visnaga contains furocoumarins associated with photosensitizing dermatitis. Unsafe in high doses or over long periods. Other side effects include; liver problems, nausea, dizziness, constipation, lack of appetite, headache, itching, trouble sleeping, & ocular toxicity.

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.