Apiaceae
Bishop’s Weed
Ammi visnaga
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Mediterranean, North Africa, Southwest Asia
Also known as: Khella, Toothpickweed, Greater Ammi, Spanish Toothpick
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Seed
Therapeutic Uses
Asthma (khellin — precursor of sodium cromoglicate), renal colic and urinary spasm (powerful antispasmodic), coronary artery disease, angina. Khellin first natural compound leading to modern asthma drugs.
Herbal Actions
Bronchodilator, vasodilator, antispasmodic (smooth muscle), coronary vasodilator
Active Constituents
Chromones (khellin, visnagin — primary bronchodilators), pyranocoumarins (ammoidin, majudin — photosensitizing), flavonoids, xanthotoxin
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.5–1 tsp dried seed per 250ml, steep 10 min — LOW DOSE |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily — low dose herb |
| Notes | Khellin therapeutic window narrow. Photosensitizing coumarins require sun avoidance. Khellin inspired sodium cromoglicate (Intal) — asthma preventive. Professional guidance recommended. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Photosensitivity (furanocoumarins). Khellin narrow therapeutic index — potential nausea and liver effects. Avoid UV exposure.
Side Effects: Photosensitivity. Nausea, headache (high doses). Liver toxicity with prolonged use. GI irritation.