Agastya (Agastya (Vangasena, Munipushpa, Munidruma, Buka, Agasti))
Agastya (Sesbania grandiflora) is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine, known for its flowers and leaves which are utilized for various therapeutic purposes. It is traditionally used to balance Kapha and Pitta doshas, and is known for its cooling properties.
Botanical name: Sesbania grandiflora. Also known as: Agathi, Hummingbird Tree, Vegetable Hummingbird, Agati, West Indian Tree, Flamingo Bill, White Dragon tree, Swamp pea, Tree Bean, Agastya, Basna, Agast, Hadeva, Agathi Keerai, Agise, Avisha, Akatti, Agatthi, Agase, Agache, Bokful, Agastha, Agasti, Buka, Kumbhayoni, Agastya), White dragon tree, Tree bean, West Indian sesban, Mascareigners, August flower, West Indian Pea, Flamingo bill, Crokwooded tree, Aghastya, Chogache, Avishi, Avisa, Aagatti, Agatti, Athi, Atti, Agase soppu, Kempagase, Vakrapushpi.
Properties
Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Hepatoprotective activity, Anticonvulsant activity, Diuretic activity
Dosage
Fresh Flowers: 10-15 g (about 3–5 blossoms) steeped in hot water for 5–7 minutes. Consume 1–2 cups/day for respiratory support. Dried Flower Powder: 1–3 grams twice daily with warm water or honey. Leaf Juice (Swarasa): 10-20 ml extracted from fresh leaves or flowers. Consume in moderation (10-20 ml daily) for best results. Leaf Decoction (Kashayam): 30-50 ml, taken fresh once or twice daily. Boil 5-7 g fresh leaves in 200 ml water until reduced by half. Strain and drink up to twice daily, primarily for mild fever or cough. 20-30 ml of bark decoction for fever. Powder (Churna): 3-6 grams, twice daily with honey or warm water. Extract Capsules: Standardized to 10% flavonoids, 300–500 mg capsules, 1–2 times/day, used in clinical studies for anti-inflammatory effects. Infused Oil: Apply externally as needed.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Bitter, Astringent
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Expectorant
- Digestive
- Rejuvenative
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diuretic
Traditional uses
- Night blindness
- Fever
- Rhinitis
- Bronchitis
- Mild coughs
- Wounds
- Diabetes
- UTIs
- Kidney stones
- Rheumatic joint complaints
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: decreasing
Preparation methods
- Agastya Leaf Tea: Steep 1 teaspoon of dried Agastya leaves or flowers in 1 cup of hot water. Add lemon or honey as desired.
- Agastya Leaf Juice: Blend 10-12 fresh Agastya leaves with 1 cup of warm water and honey (optional).
- Agastya Flower Thin Soup (Sara): The flowers are taken and the petals are separated, then added to water and cooked well. Turmeric powder, pepper, salt, a little jaggery, and cumin seeds can also be added while cooking. Once boiled properly, it is taken out and served fresh and warm.
- Leaf Paste: Grind leaves into a paste for treating skin conditions.
- Decoction: Boil bark to make a decoction.
- For Gargling: Prepare Sesbania leaf decoction for gargling to cure dry cough, scaling of the tongue and helps release cough. Also beneficial in curing husky voice.
- For Eye Problems: Use 1 drop of Sesbane flower extract in eyes to clear blurred vision.
- Poultice: Apply 10-15g fresh leaf paste topically 1–2 times a day for localized inflammation or minor wounds.
Contraindications
- Generally contraindicated in Vata disorders such as abdominal bloating and neuropathy.
- Can aggravate Vata dosha due to its properties.
- Use with caution during pregnancy.
- Individuals with low blood pressure should exercise caution.
- Those with allergies should be careful.
Side effects
- Generally well-tolerated in culinary or therapeutic doses.
- Mild nausea or diarrhea can occur with high doses (over 5 g dried powder daily).
- Individuals with legume allergies (Fabaceae family) should use caution.
- May cause digestive discomfort, including bloating or acidity with overconsumption.
- Contraindicated in Vata imbalance disorders such as bloating, nausea, dizziness, loose stools, weakness, and indigestion.
Interactions
- Could theoretically interact with anticoagulants due to tannins. Seek professional guidance if on blood thinners.
- If used in hypertensive patients, use it under medical supervision as it may interact with hypertensive medicine and may result in an excessive lowering of blood pressure.
- It can be used with homeopathic medicines and dietary supplements like multivitamin tablets and Omega 3 fatty acids, but consult your doctor if you are taking more than one product per day.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical trials show promising results for hair health and digestive support. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated improved hair growth and reduced hair fall. A smaller clinical trial reported reduced bloating. More extensive human clinical trials are needed.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Expectorant
- Digestive
- Rejuvenative
- Anti-inflammatory
- Diuretic
Classical clinical indications
- Night blindness
- Fever
- Rhinitis
- Bronchitis
- Mild coughs
- Wounds
- Diabetes
- UTIs
- Kidney stones
- Rheumatic joint complaints