biznaga

The biznaga or viznaga (ammi visnaga) is an umbelliferous plant, like carrot and fennel, whose medicinal attributes were already well known in ancient Egypt.

It is known that they cultivated it and used it to cure different problems, such as the acute pain caused by kidney stones. In the Middle Ages, in the area of ​​Islamic influence, it came to be considered a panacea.

Although it is native to the southern shore of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, it also grows on the northern shore, from the Iberian Peninsula to Turkey. It appears subspontaneously among the ruderal vegetation on roadsides or in cereal fields.

It is a robust plant, just over a meter tall, with leaves divided into linear segments, with a feathery appearance, and large umbels, with many rays and long bracts at their base. The flowers are tiny, white.

In herbalists you will find whole or pulverized seeds for infusion; in tincture, liquid extract and capsules.

Medicinal properties of the biznaga

The biznaga contains furochromones, such as queline and visnagin, which give it relaxing properties on the muscle fiber, as well as flavonoids (specifically, quercetol), sterols and an essential oil.

Several studies have confirmed the antispasmodic action of furochromones and their relaxing effect on the bronchial muscles, the urinary tract and the coronary arteries. They act for several hours and have no side effects.

What is the biznaga used for?

The biznaga has traditionally been used to relieve pain, sometimes intense, produced by a renal colicwhich reveals the presence of kidney stones.

It is also indicated in asthmatic attacks, bronchitis, coronary insufficiency and arrhythmias.

The biznaga is also a highly appreciated spice in Arab cuisine, to which it contributes a certain spicy aftertastelike cardamom. By providing heat to the body, it is considered aphrodisiac.

This plant is often combined with other preparations in dessert infusions due to its carminative propertieswhich facilitate the expulsion of gases and help reduce abdominal swelling after eating.

How is it prepared

For the relief of renal colic, the most effective formula is to take the tincture or liquid extract mixed with water or juice (up to 30 drops in three daily doses).

We can also prepare biznaga infusions with other plants with which it is complemented:

Digestive tea against gas and bloating

The biznaga is often combined with other plants in dessert infusions for its carminative properties. Its seeds are associated with fennel, green anise and licorice.

How to prepare it: Pour a teaspoon of the mixture per glass of water. Boil for one minute and let stand for five more. It is taken after meals.

Infusion to awaken the libido

The biznaga is combined with damiana, cinnamon and mint.

How to prepare it: Boil a tablespoon of the mixture per glass of water for 1 minute and let it rest for another 5, covered. One or two daily doses are enough.

Precautions and contraindications

The biznaga should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation, and in no case should it be taken in high doses, as it could cause nausea, dizziness, headaches and insomnia.

The quelina of the biznaga can activate photosensitization in some people, so it is convenient to avoid sunlight after consuming the plant.

However, combined with a controlled dose of ultraviolet irradiation, chelin has been explored for the treatment of vitiligo or loss of pigmentation in the skin, a use that should only be made under strict medical supervision.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”