🌿 Agastya (Sesbania grandiflora)

Botanical Profile

• Botanical Name: Sesbania grandiflora

• Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

• Common Names:

  • Sanskrit: Agastya, Agasti

  • Hindi: Agast, Hadeva

  • English: Vegetable Hummingbird, Agati

  • Tamil: Agathi

  • Bengali: Bokful

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Description

Agastya is a small, fast-growing, soft-wooded tree, reaching 3–8 meters in height. It is characterized by slender branches, pinnate leaves, and long pods. The plant bears large, attractive flowers—white, red, or pale yellow in color. It is often termed the “Tree of Plenty” for its multifaceted uses in food, medicine, and agriculture.

In Ayurveda, Agastya is recognized for pacifying Vata and Kapha doshas while potentially aggravating Pitta if overused.

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Habitat & Occurrence

• Native: Southeast Asia

• Distribution: India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, and tropical Africa

• Preferred Conditions:

  • Well-drained sandy or loamy soil

  • Tropical climate with good sunlight and rainfall

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Phytochemical Constituents

• Flavonoids: Quercetin, Myricetin (antioxidant)

• Saponins: Immune-modulating, antimicrobial

• Tannins: Astringent, wound healing

• Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron

• Amino Acids: Nutrient-dense and restorative

• Steroids & Terpenoids: Anti-inflammatory

• Alkaloids: Analgesic and antimicrobial

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Ayurvedic Properties (Guna & Karma)

Sanskrit Term	Property
Rasa (Taste)	Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Qualities)	Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Oily)
Virya (Potency)	Sheeta (Cold)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect)	Madhura (Sweet)
Dosha Effect	Balances Vata & Kapha; may increase Pitta

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Therapeutic Uses in Ayurveda

1. Respiratory Health:
   Alleviates cough, asthma, and bronchitis; clears airways and soothes mucosa.

2. Digestive Health:
   Enhances appetite and digestion; treats diarrhea, dysentery, and intestinal irritation.

3. Skin Disorders:
   Heals wounds, ulcers, burns, and eczema due to antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. Nervous System:
   Acts as a nervine tonic; promotes calmness and mental clarity.

5. Fever & Infections:
   Reduces fever and boosts immunity.

6. Reproductive Health:
   Promotes fertility; relieves menstrual cramps and regulates cycles.

7. Musculoskeletal System:
   Relieves joint pain, arthritis, and muscle sprain.

8. Hair & Eye Care:
   Nourishes hair roots, prevents dandruff, and supports ocular health.

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Pharmacological Actions

• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces swelling and inflammation.

• Antimicrobial: Fights bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

• Antioxidant: Neutralizes free radicals and protects cells.

• Detoxifying: Purifies blood and eliminates toxins (Ama).

• Immunomodulatory: Strengthens immune defense.

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Home Remedies

Ailment	Preparation	Usage
Cough, Asthma	Decoction of Agastya flowers, Tulsi & Ginger	Drink warm twice daily
Wounds/Burns	Fresh leaf poultice	Apply externally
Indigestion	1 tsp dried leaf powder with warm water	Once daily after meals
Hair Growth	Oil infused with Agastya leaves	Massage scalp 2–3 times/week
Eye Irritation	Fresh flower juice (few drops)	Use under medical advice
Fever	Bark decoction (20–30 ml)	Twice daily until relief

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Dosage

Form	Dose	Anupan (Vehicle)
Churna (Powder)	3–6 g twice daily	With honey or warm water
Kashayam (Decoction)	30–50 ml once/twice daily	Freshly prepared
Swarasa (Juice)	10–20 ml	Morning empty stomach
Lepa (Paste)	As required	For external use
Taila (Oil)	—	External massage

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Cautions

• Pregnancy & Lactation: Use under supervision.

• Excess Use: May cause acidity or bloating.

• Allergic Individuals: Avoid if sensitive to Fabaceae plants.

• Children: Use in reduced dosage under guidance.

• Chronic Ailments: Seek physician advice for liver or kidney disorders.

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Cultivation

• Easily propagated by seeds.

• Prefers tropical climate and full sunlight.

• Grows well in loamy/sandy soils with moderate watering.

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Historical and Classical References

Mentioned in Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita for its role in treating respiratory, digestive, and wound-related disorders. Revered in folklore and regional traditions as a sacred and healing tree.