Visnaga, also called kella, scientific name Ammi visnaga, is a plant of the Apiaceae family. This remedy was already known to the ancient Egyptians and Arabs who used it to treat kidney colic. Nowadays it is possible to find mother tincture obtained from visnaga seeds in herbalist’s and chemist’s shops. So let's see now, on the basis of scientific research, the properties of this herbal remedy.
Visnaga, properties
The mother tincture of visnaga is appreciated for its spasmolytic action, also called antispasmodic, on the smooth muscle of the bronchi, urinary tract and coronary arteries and its ability to counteract the formation of stones. These properties are attributable to the active ingredients of the plant, such as kellina and visnadine (Bhagavathula et al, Pharmacognosy Res, 2015 - Haug et al, Planta Med, 2012). Given these characteristics, visnaga is useful to relieve pain and spasms related to abdominal cramps, premenstrual syndrome, abdominal pain caused by painful and abundant menstruation but also renal and biliary colic. Not only that, its calming action is helpful in case of cough and bronchitis but also asthma, since kellina, a substance contained in the remedy, acts as a bronchodilator (Kennedy et al, Thorax, 1952). Another effect of visnaga is on the health of the cardiovascular system, since it contributes to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels (Bhagavathula et al, Pharmacognosy Res, 2015).
Visnaga, assumptions and warnings
Visnaga is taken in the form of a mother tincture, from 15 to 20 drops 3 times a day. Due to some photosensitizing substances, avoid taking the remedy when you know you will be sunbathing, both in the previous and subsequent period. Do not exceed with the doses as too high doses could be harmful to the liver. Do not use in pregnancy, avoid taking the remedy for long periods as it could cause nausea, headache, dizziness, insomnia, itching (Bhagavathula et al, Pharmacognosy Res, 2015).
