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 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 Türkiye. It appears subspontaneous among ruderal vegetation on roadsides and in cereal fields.
It is a robust plant, just over a meter high, 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 powdered seeds for infusion; in tincture, liquid extract and in capsules.
Medicinal properties of biznaga
Biznaga contains furochromones, such as chelin and visnagin, which give it relaxing virtues 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 bronchial muscles, urinary tracts and coronary arteries. They act for several hours and have no side effects.
What is the biznaga for?
Biznaga has traditionally been used to relieve pain, sometimes intense, caused 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 for its carminative propertieswhich facilitate the expulsion of gases and help reduce abdominal bloating 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 that complement it:
Digestive herbal tea against gas and bloating
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 one teaspoon of the mixture per glass of water. Boil it for one minute and let it rest for five more. It is taken after meals.
Infusion to awaken 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 minutes, covered. One or two daily doses are enough.
Precautions and contraindications
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 biznaga chelin can activate photosensitization in some people, so it is advisable 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 skin pigmentation, a use that should only be done under strict medical supervision.
Jordi Cebrián. Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”