Yavasa (Alhagi Camelorum) is a perennial plant with a huge rhizome system that can grow up to six feet into the ground. Shoots can now sprout up to 200 feet away from the parent plant. Above ground, the plant rarely grows taller than four feet. It is densely branched, with gray-green, long spines on the branches. It has small, vivid pink to maroon pea-shaped flowers. It has little brown or reddish legume pods that are constricted between the seeds. Brown beans with spots serve as the seeds.

Types of Yavasa (Alhagi camelorum)

This plant is classified into five types, which are shown below.:-

1. Alhagi camelorum
2. Alhagi persarum
3. Alhagi pseudalhagi
4. Hedysorum pseudalhagi
5. Alhagi maurorum

According to Sodhala Nighantu, there are two types of the plant Yavasa:-

1. Yasa
2. Dhanvayasa

General Information

Because of its therapeutic characteristics, this herb is very important in Ayurveda. It has aphrodisiac, antipyretic, laxative, blood purifying, and diuretic qualities.

This herb helps in the removal of excess fat, the management of brain health difficulties, and the treatment of respiratory complications. This herb can also be used to treat piles. Its therapeutic characteristics also help in the treatment of other disorders such as hemicrania, leprosy, and corneal opacity.

Various phytochemical substances are found in various areas of herbs. Twigs contain the N - Methyl tyramine, Hordmine, 3,4 - Dihydroxy - B - phenethyl - trimethyl ammonium hydroxide, B - Phenethylamine, N - Methyl - B - Phenethylamine, 3 methoxy - 4 - hydrozyl - B Phenethyl trimethyl ammonium hydroxide, N - methyl mescaline, Salsolidine and have a small quantity of choline & Betaline. This herb's roots and stem contain alkaloids and phytosterols. All of the phytochemical components discussed above have therapeutic capabilities and can be used to treat a variety of conditions in a natural way.

Classification

• Kingdom - Plantae (Plants)
• Sub Kingdom - Tracheobionta (Vascular Plants)
• Super Division - Spermatophyta (Seed Plants)
• Division - Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
• Class - Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
• Subclass - Rosidae
• Order - Fabales
• Family - Fabaceae (Pea Family)
• Genus - Alhagi
• Species - Camelorum

Habitat

This herb is found all across the world, from the Mediterranean to the Sahara to Central Asia. It is grown in the Himalayas, the Ganges Valley, Kashmir, Punjab, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Gujarat in India.

Names

• Latin Name: Alhagi camelorum
• English name:  Camel thorn, Persian manna plant
• Hindi name: Javasa
• Gujarati name: Javaso
• Bengali name: Javasa
• Arabi name: Haj, Algoul
• Persia name: Khareshutur
• Malayalam name: Kappa tumpa
• Kannada name: Turuche
• Tamil name: Kanchori, Punaikanjuri
• Telugu name: Dhanvaya sam, Chinnadoolagondi

Ayurvedic Properties

Effects on Doshas

It balances pitta and kapha doshas.

Practical Uses

• This herb's anti-inflammatory properties are very helpful in reducing pain in the arms, legs, joints, and other body regions.
• This plant works really well for treating piles. In addition to helping with digestion, it treats constipation, which is a common cause of piles. Additionally, it helps in relieving hemorrhoids and piles symptoms such as inflammation, itching, redness, soreness, and swelling around the anus.
• This herb's leaf juice is utilized as a nasal drop. This juice is a great help for headaches.
• For the purpose of massaging rheumatoid arthritis, oil heated with Yavasa is utilized. This oil's anti-inflammatory qualities aid with pain management.
• This herb's decoction is used as a gargle for stomatitis. Therefore, making a decoction of this herb helps in reducing mouth mucous membrane inflammation. Additionally, it inhibits the formation of pus which helps in the healing of wounds.
• This herb works well for treating symptoms such as syncope. The condition known as syncope is characterized by a brief loss of consciousness brought on by a drop in blood pressure.
• Additionally, this plant promotes a healthy digestive tract. Therefore, it is beneficial to treat conditions like constipation, heartburn, dyspepsia, emesis, and indigestion.
• This herb is helpful for diseases related to hemorrhaging.
• This herb is also effective in treating respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, cough, and common cold. In addition to helping with respiratory clearance, it strengthens the body's defenses against bacterial and viral illnesses.
• This herb helps in the calming of the neck muscles. For this reason, it helps with stiff necks.
• It contributes to the body's increased physical strength. This herb is beneficial for weight gain as well.
• This herb has a reputation for being useful in treating vertigo. This plant has calming effects on the nervous system. Additionally, this herb helps in relieving vertigo-related symptoms such as tension, headaches, anxiety, and brain issues.

Parts Used

Whole plant.

Dosage

Decoction: 40-80 ml.