Khella - Ammi visnaga

Khella - Ammi visnaga in the Apiaceae or Umbel or Parsley family

Parts used: Seeds.

Taste/smell: Bitter, slightly aromatic.

Dosage: Infusion: 1 teaspoon of crushed seeds per cup of water, infused for 25 minutes; or 1:3 dry liquid extract: 20-60 drops 1-4 times per day in a little water.

Use: (a) Diuretic, (b) Antispasmodic with specific action as a coronary vasodilator, bronchodilator, and urinary tract antispasmodic.

Khella improves blood supply to the myocardium and makes myocardial metabolism more efficient. The antispasmodic activity may be partially due to the calcium antagonist effect. Khella is used to treat mild forms of angina, mild obstructive pulmonary disease and as an antispasmodic for cases of acute urinary tract stones and for interstitial cystitis.

It contains coumarins and furanochromones, (psoralens) such as khellin and visnagin, and a small amount of volatile oil. Khellin has been used in treatment of skin diseases like vitiligo and psoriasis.

Contraindications: Khella is contraindicated in pregnancy due to the emmenagogue and uterine stimulating activity of khellin. High doses of khella can cause increases in liver enzymes and cause possible liver damage.  Researchers have found that khellin may have a cumulative toxicity. It could build-up in the body when taken over a period of time and can cause nausea and vomiting. It should be discontinued
if nausea occurs as this is an indication of excessive use.

If you are looking for directions on making teas or tinctures, please see our "Making Herbal Products" page.

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Copyright 1999 by Sharol Tilgner, N.D. (ISBN 1-881517-02-0) - all rights reserved.