Yavasa: A Traditional Ayurvedic Medicine
2022-08-06 00:00:00
Yavasa is a shrub that grows to a height of about 1-2 m and has simple leaves with many thorny branches. It uses the clone vegetative reproduction method to grow rapidly. Its flowers are magenta or pink in color and the petals are about 8-9mm. These flowers bloom between June and July. It is mainly used to make laxatives, diuretics, sweeteners, and cosmetics.
Yavasa is a well-known plant in traditional medicine, especially in Iran , for various therapeutic and healing properties. This herb contains anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds and is known to be a good diuretic and expectorant.
It is also known as Camelthorn. In Sanskrit, it is known as Ananta, Dhanvayasa, Kunashaka, and Dusparsha. Its scientific name is Alhagi camelorum.
Importance of Yavasa in Ayurveda
Yavasa is highly used in Ayurveda as it helps improve digestion, treats constipation and also helps relieve the symptoms of hemorrhoids (piles) like irritation, itching, redness, pain and swelling around the anus because of its vata and pitta pacifying properties while balancing the kapha as well.
Uses of Yavasa
- Juice from the leaves of this herb is used as nasal drops. This juice is very useful for headaches as well.
- Massaging the affected areas of the body with oil like coconut oil, boiled with Yavasa is used in rheumatoid arthritis since the anti-inflammatory properties of this oil helps reduce pain and inflammation.
- A decoction of this herb is used for gargling by people suffering from stomatitis. Therefore, the ingredients of this herb helps reduce inflammation inside the mouth. It also helps in wound healing and prevents the formation of pus as well.
- This herb is useful in hemorrhagic diseases.
- This herb is known as an effective herb for treating dizziness. It helps calm the nervous system. In addition, this herb also helps relieve symptoms associated with vertigo, such as anxiety, stress and headache.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of this herb are very helpful in relieving pain in joints, legs, arms and various parts of the body.
- The use of this herb is quite good in treating hemorrhoids (piles). It also helps in smooth digestion and overcomes the problem of constipation which can be the cause of hemorrhoids (piles).
- This herb is useful for treating symptoms such as syncope. Syncope is a condition in which there is a temporary loss of consciousness due to low blood pressure.
- This herb is also good for treating respiratory problems such as cold, cough, asthma, and bronchitis because of its kapha balancing properties. It helps clear the respiratory tract and also increases the body's immunity.
- It is also useful in relaxation of neck muscles.
- Using this herb helps in gaining weight and increasing physical stamina.
Precautions and Side effects of using Yavasa
- There is no evidence about the use of Yavasa during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Therefore, it is best to avoid this herb during pregnancy.
- People suffering from chronic medical conditions or someone taking medication for it should talk to a doctor before taking Yavasa.
- Although the Yavasa plant is known to have a hypoglycemic effect, diabetics should not use this herb without consulting their doctor about the possible effects of Yavasa on their health.
Where is Yavasa found?
In India, the Yavasa plant is mainly found in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab and Rajasthan.