Ammi visnaga

Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

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Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam.

Family

Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)

Synonym(s)

English name(s)

Tooth-pick plant

Arabic Name(s)

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

Hebrew Name(s)

amita qeitzit

אַמִּיתָה קֵיצִית

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

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.

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.