Yavaas (Alhagi camelorum )
Yavaas
Treasures of Nature (Prakriti Ka Khazana) – Yavaas (Alhagi camelorum )
The Scientific name of Yavaas is Alhagi camelorum and it belongs to the family Fabaceae. The plant is commonly known as ‘camel thorn’. Yavaas is considered very important in Ayurveda due to its medicinal properties. It balances pitta and kapha doshas. It is well known for its antipyretic, diuretic, laxative, aphrodisiac qualities. It is known by different names like camel thorn in English, Javasa in Hindi and Bengali, Javaso in Gujrati, Algoul in Arabic and Kappa tumpa in Malayalam.
Yavaas is a perennial desert shrub, which originated mainly in the Mediterranean region. Later it was introduced in Australia, Asia, southern Africa and the western United States. The plant arises from a massive rhizome system, which may be over 6 feet in size under the ground. Above the ground, the plant is highly branched and barely reaches 4 feet in height. Yavaas plant has long spines all along the branches. The flowers are small, bright pink to maroon in colour and the fruits are brown or reddish colour small legume pods.
Medicinal properties of Yavaas
The whole plant is noted for its medicinal properties and is used to treat many diseases. Many Ayurvedic doctors prescribe medicine made from Yavaas plant to treat a large number of diseases regularly.
✔ Yavaas is known to have antipyretic qualities and is used to control fever.
✔ Yavaas root is considered to possess anti-inflammatory properties so it is used to cure pain in joints, arms, legs and other parts of the body.
✔ The flowers of the plant are specifically used in the treatment of piles. It helps to reduce constipation and other symptoms like haemorrhoids, redness and swelling around the anal region.
✔ The plant is used as a good medicine to treat skin infections. It is used as a soothing cream after smallpox eruptions.
✔ The juice prepared from the Yavaas leaves can be used as a nasal drop. It also brings relief to headaches.
✔ Yavaas is used to prepare massage oil. It is particularly beneficial in curing rheumatoid arthritis. It helps in the reduction of pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
✔ A decoction prepared from this herb is used for gargling. It reduces the inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth and is beneficial in the healing of infection and pus formation.
Yavaas is known to be beneficial in managing vertigo. It pacifies the nervous system and is useful in increasing the physical strength of the body and is used to gin body weight.