Yavasa – Alhagi camelorum – Benefits, Usage, Ayurvedic Description

Yavasa is an Ayurveda herb, used mainly in the treatment of obesity, skin diseases and Pitta conditions. Its botanical name is Alhagi Camelorum Fisch. It belongs to the Fabaceae (Simbi kula) family. It is also known as Alhagi maurorum

Vernacular names, Sanskrit synonyms

Hindi name – Javasa
English name – Persian Manna Plant, Camel thorn.
Botanical name – Alhagi Camelorum, Fagonia cretica
Synonyms in Sanskrit – Yasa, Yavasa, Dusparsha, Kunashaka, Dhanvayasa – Alhagi pseudalhagi, Ananta.

Medicinal qualities of Dhanvayasa

Rasa (taste) – Madhura – sweet, Tikta – Bitter, Kashaya – Astringent
Vipaka – taste conversion after digestion – Katu – Pungent
Veerya – Sheeta – Cold potency
Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light to digest)
Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Pitta

Botanical name – Alhagi Camelorum  Fisch., Alhagi pseudalhagi (M.Bieb.) Desv. ex B.Keller & Shap., Fagonia cretica,
Hedysarum alhagi L. H. pseudalhagi M.Bieb.
Leguminaceae family.
English name – Arabian or Persian Manna plant.

Habitat: Found as weed in Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttarpradesh, Rajasthan etc.
Part used: Root

Properties

Medicinal properties of Fagonia cretica / Alhagi Camelorum
As per Ayurveda, roots possess sweet-bitter and astringent tastes.
This is cold in potency and light for digestion.
This is helpful to pacify the Kapha (phlegm) and Meda (fat – adipose tissue) related disorders.

The formulations derived out of this herb  is capable to cure the diseases like Bhrama (vertigo), bleeding disorders (raktapitta), skin diseases of various kinds (kushtha), cough (kasa), herpes (visarpa), gout (vatarakta) etc.
Duralabha, another variety of this plant (Fagonia arabica Linn) is used as a substitute for this drug.
Read related:

Camelthorn (Javasa) Remedies

Home remedies

Few important remedies of Javasa, by Prof. MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD

Vertigo, hemorrhoids

Hot infusion of the root of Camelthorn for vertigo and hemorrhoids:
The Yavasa roots are collected and made into coarse powder. 1 tablespoon of it is added with a cup of hot water, kept for a while, macerated and decanted. This is administered in a dose of 20-30 ml twice or thrice daily. Useful in treating vertigo and hemorrhoids.

Cough, throat irritation

Decoction of the wet roots of Camelthorn in chronic cough and throat irritation :
Wet roots of the plant are collected and made into decoction. This has significant benefits in laryngitis, throat irritation, mouth ulcers, chronic cough, allergic disorders etc.
General method of preparation of decoction (kashaya) – 1 tablespoon of powder is added with 2 cups of water, boiled and reduced to 1 cup, filtered.

Menopausal syndrome

Cold infusion of the root of Alhagi maurorum in menopausal syndrome and Pitta disorders:
Cold infusion of the roots is taken along with sugar candy. This pacifies Pitta disorders. Menopausal syndrome can be effectively managed by taking this decoction with the fine powder of Yashtimadhu (licorice)

Allergic rhinitis, bronchitis

Fine powder and Javasa and Yashtimadhu (Glycchiriza glabra) for allergic rhinitis and bronchitis:
Equal amountsof Yavasa and Yashtimadhu are taken and fine powder is made. This is administered in a dose of 5 grams, with a teaspoon of honey, once or twice a day, before food. This is useful in treating allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, hemorrhoids, vertigo etc.

Camelthorn (also called Yavasa, Dhanvayasa) is a very itchy Ayurvedic herb. It should be collected with care. Folklore practitioners use its leaves for detection of pregnancy. However, its scientific validation is awaited. 
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu), PhD

Medohara – Helps to reduce fat and cholesterol
Madahara – Useful in psychiatric conditions
Bhrantihara – Relieves confusion
Pittasrahara – Useful in bleeding disorders
Kushtaghna – Useful in skin diseases
Kasaghna – relieves cough, cold
Trushnahara – relieves excessive thirst
Visarpahara – useful in herpes
Vatasra – useful in gout
Chardihara, Vamihara – acts as anti-emetic

Part used

Whole plant, yasa Sharkara

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Ayurvedic medicines

Important Ayurvedic medicines with Yavasa (Dhanvayasa) as ingredient:
Mahatiktakam Kashayam– Used in skin diseases

Kantakari Avaleha – Used in asthma and respiratory conditions.

Tikta Ghritha – Used in skin conditions, carbuncles etc.

Maha panchagavya Ghrita – Used in fistula, liver disorders and psychiatric conditions.

Sthanika Karma (Systemic Action)

External – Anti inflammatory, Analgesics in nature. Leaf juice is used for Nasya in headaches. Paste and Decoction is used in Hemorrhoids for external application which helps to relieve pain and edema and also prevent bleeding. Oil is beneficial in joint disorders. Gargling with the decoction is indicated in rhinitis and in throat diseases.

Nervous System – Coolant, indicated in giddiness, intoxication etc.

Digestive System – Facilitate normal movement of doshas. Indicated in Vomiting, excessive thirst, constipation, Hemorrhoids etc.

Circulatory System – Styptic and acts as a blood purifier. Indicated in Bleeding disorders, Vatarakta etc.
Respiratory system – Expels out vitiated kapha dosha. Indicated in respiratory tract disorders. In cough etc. its panchanga (all parts of the plant) is used for Dhumapana
Excretory system – Increases urine production, It is used in Dysuria
Reproductive system – Aphrodisiac, Indicated in oligospermia
Tvak – Indicated in skin disorders
Tapakrama – Indicated in fever and related complications. reduces burning sensation
Satmikarana – Balya and brimhana ( Promote strength and immunity)