Ajamoda

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Apium graveolens (Apiaceae)

Sanskrit Names: Ajamoda
English Name: Celery
Hindu NameL Ajamada
Botanical Name: Apium graveolens
Synonyms:
Family: Apiaceae

Description

It is native to Europe and now naturalized and occurring wild in the foothills of the Northwestern Himalayas and the outlying hills of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is largely cultivated in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

It is an erect, annual or biennial herb. The roots are numerous, succulent and well developed. The stem branches are angular or fistular, conspicuously jointed. The leaves are oblong to obovate, pinnate or trifoliolate. The leaflets are ovate to sub-orbicular and 3-lobed. The flowers are white or greenish white and very small. The fruit (commonly called seed) is a schizocarp consisting of two mericarps, sub-orbicular to ellipsoid, greyish brown to brown with pale ridges, aromatic and slightly bitter.

Principle Constituents

Classical Categories (Gana)

This herb belongs to the following classical groups:

Caraka Ganas: Sulaprasamana, Deepaniya

Susruta Ganas: Pippalyadi

Vagbhata Ganas: Pippalyadi

Energetics

Rasa (taste): Katu (pungent)

Guna (quality): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

Virya (energy): Ushna (heating)

Vipaka (post digestive effect): Katu (pungent)

Prabhava (Special quality): none

Dosha Effect: KV- P+

Srotas (channels): Annavaha, Rasavaha, Majjavaha, Mutravaha

Chemical Constituents

Volatile oils D-limonene, aphaselinine, santolol, limonene-type monoterpenes, phthalides

Flavonoids Apiin, apigenin

Coumarins Bergapten, isopimpinellin, celeroside

Ayurveda Actions

Anulomana - expels dosha downwards

Deepana - appetizer

Pachaka - digests ama

Shwasa kasahara - helps with breathing

Important Actions

Vidahi, Kaphavataji, Deepana, Rucikrt, Krimijit, Sulaghna

Indications

Celery seeds are credited with stimulant and carminative properties and are prescribed as nervine, sedative and tonic. They are prescribed as a decoction or as a liquid extract. The fatty oil from the seeds is used in many medicinal preparations as an antispasmodic and nerve stimulant. The roots are credited with diuretic property.

Internal use

Digestive system: Flatulence, borborygmus, intestinal cramps. Low agni is stimulated by the pungent volatile oils

Nervous System: Spasms, cramps, tension. Obstructed Vāta is moved by reducing tension throughout the whole nervous system- the constriction is eased and a normal flow mensues. Also benefits heart pain from nervous constriction. As an antispasmodic with an affinity for the lower abdomen it can help ease the pain of dysmenorrhea and menstrual cramps.

Respiratory system: Asthma, bronchitis, cough, sinus congestion. It actively helps to dilate the bronchioles by preventing spasm in the airways. Excess kapha is 'digested'

Urinary system: Specific herb for kidney and bladder discomfort from cold. The vegetable 'stalk' heals the urinary system afflicted with problems from heat irritation, cystitis etc. 1

Precautions

High Pitta and hyperacidity. No adverse effect was reported on use of this plant as medicine in recommended doses. It is safe in pregnancy.

Safety

No drug-herb interactions are known.

Parts Used

Parts used: Fruit
Dosage: Fruit powder 103g

Important Combinations

Ajamodarka, Ajamododadi churna

Research

• 1. Gogte, VM, Ayurveda Pharmacology & Theraperutic uses of medicinal Plants, first english edition 2000