Camel thorn, Persian manna plant

HERBAL GARDEN

जवासा (Jawasa)

Classification

Synoyms

Yavasa
Duralabha
Jatukā
Kāntakikā

Habit

A perennial spiny shrub, about 1–1.5 meters in height.

Habitat

Commonly found in dry and arid regions of India — especially in Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Grows wild in sandy and desert soils.

Morphology

Stem: Erect, much-branched, woody, covered with sharp spines.
Leaves: Small, obovate, and sessile with a gray-green hue.
Flowers: Pinkish to purplish, pea-shaped, borne singly or in small clusters in the axils of spines.
Fruit: Small pods containing a few seeds.
Roots: Deep-rooted system, sometimes exuding a sweetish manna-like substance.

Chemical Composition

Contains alkaloids (trigonelline), flavonoids, tannins, sucrose, mannitol, glucose, and a sweet exudate known as manna (Alhagi manna). Also contains resins and essential oils.

Guna-Karma

Rasa- Tikta, Madhura
Guna- Laghu, Ruksha
Virya- Sheeta
Vipaka- Madhura
Karma- Mutrala, Raktashodhaka, Shothahara, Jvaraghna, Krimighna, Vranashodhaka, Stanyashodhaka
Doshakarma- Pacifies Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Medicinal uses

Useful in urinary disorders (Mutrakricchra, Mutraghata)
Blood purification and skin diseases
Fever, cough, and cold conditions
Wound healing and inflammation
Digestive aid and liver tonic
Exudate (manna) used as demulcent and mild laxative

Useful Part

Whole plant, especially roots and exudate (manna).

Doses

Powder (Churna): 3–6 g
Decoction (Kwatha): 20–50 ml
Fresh exudate (Manna): 1–2 g

Important Formulation

Yavasa Kwatha
Yavasa Churna
Punarnavadi Kwatha (as a supportive herb)
Yavasa Ghrita

Shloka

यवसः कण्टकी दुर्गा दूषिका च दुरालभा।
तीक्ष्णोष्णा कटुका तिक्तास् त्रिदोषघ्नी रसाम्बुधा॥

Hindi Name

Jawasa, Javas, Yavasa

English Name