A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Yavasa (Alhagi camelorum
Latin Name: Alhagi camelorum Fisch.
Family: Leguminoseae (Shimbikula); Papilionaceae (Aparajita upakula).
Classical Gana/Varga: Unmentioned in the provided text.
Sanskrit Synonyms: Yavasa, Duhsparsha.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Javasa
Marathi: Javasa
Gujarati: Javaso
Malayalam: Kappatumppa
English: Camel thorn
Morphology: A thorny herb, 0.5 to 1 meter tall, which remains green even in the hot season. Leaves are small (1-1.5 cm), oblong, and covered with fine hairs. Flowers are reddish. It yields a crystalline, whitish-red gum known as Yasasharkara.
Habitat: Arid regions of India, specifically Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Part Used: Whole plant (Panchanga) and the gum (Yasasharkara).
Purification (Śodhana): A specific purification process (Śodhana) for Yavasa is not mentioned in the provided classical text.
Preservation: Preservation methods for Yavasa are not detailed in the provided text.
| Attribute (Guṇa) | Property |
| :--- | :--- |
| Rasa (Taste) | Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
| Guṇa (Qualities) | Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Slightly Unctuous) |
| Vīrya (Potency) | Sheeta (Cooling) |
| Vipāka (Post-digestive) | Madhura (Sweet) |
Dosha Karma: Pacifies all three Doshas (Tridoshaghna). It is primarily Pittaghna (due to its sweet taste and cooling potency) and Vataghna (due to its sweet, unctuous qualities). Its Kapha-reducing action is through elimination (Kaphanihsaraka) rather than aggression.
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Useful in Pittaja Chhardi (bilious vomiting) and Trishna (excessive thirst) due to its cooling properties. Its unctuous and heavy qualities promote downward movement (anulomana), making it useful in Vibandha (constipation).
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): Its unctuous property alleviates dryness in the bronchi. It acts as an expectorant in Kasa (cough), Shvasa (dyspnea), and Pratishyaya (rhinitis/cold).
Rasavaha/Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory/Blood System): Acts as a blood purifier (Raktashodhana) in conditions like Vatarakta (gout) and Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) due to its bitter and sweet tastes. Its astringent taste also provides a hemostatic (Raktastambhana) effect.
Jvara (Fever): Acts as an antipyretic (Jvaraghna) and alleviates burning sensation (Dahashamana) in Pitta-dominant fevers.
Mamsavaha Srotas (Muscular System): Useful in Kushtha (skin diseases) by pacifying the Kapha-Pitta manifestations of itching, redness, and burning.
Majjavaha Srotas (Nervous System): Calms the brain and is useful in Murchha (fainting) and Bhrama (giddiness).
Shukravaha Srotas (Reproductive System): Acts as an aphrodisiac (Vrishya) and is used in Shukradaurbalya (low sperm count/sexual debility) due to its nourishing qualities.
Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary System): Useful in Mutrakrichchhra (dysuria) as it promotes the formation and flow of fluids, alleviating associated burning and pain via its anti-inflammatory (Pittashamaka) action.
Primary Actions: Pittashamaka (Pitta Pacifier), Vrishya (Aphrodisiac), Shothaghna (Anti-inflammatory), Raktastambhana (Hemostatic), Jvaraghna (Antipyretic), Vedanasthapana (Analgesic).
Dosage (Mātrā):
Fresh Herb Juice (Svarasa): 10 - 20 ml
Decoction (Kvatha): 40 - 80 ml
Gum (Yasasharkara): 1 - 4 grams
Anupāna (Vehicle): Warm water, milk. (Specific vehicles are not detailed; these are standard for such preparations).
Important Formulations (Kalpa): No specific classical formulations containing Yavasa are mentioned in the provided text.
Contraindications (Nivārita): No specific contraindications are mentioned for Yavasa in the provided text, suggesting a favorable safety profile within the classical dosage range.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Toxicity from impure Yavasa or overdose is not described in the provided text.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā): An antidote is not mentioned as toxicity is not described.
Chemical Composition: The gum, Yasasharkara, contains approximately 26% sucrose (ikshusharkara). Other specific alkaloids or active compounds are not detailed.
Research Notes: No modern research findings are mentioned for Yavasa in the provided text.