Agastya (Sesbania grandiflora) – Therapeutic Applications

Botanical Name: Sesbania grandiflora
Common Name: Agastya / Agathi

Family: Fabaceae

Ayurvedic Properties

·         Rasa (Taste): Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet)

·         Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous)

·         Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)

·         Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura

·         Dosha Action: Pacifies Vata and Kapha; may increase Pitta in excess

Parts Used

·         Leaves

·         Flowers

·         Bark

·         Roots

Therapeutic Applications

·         Respiratory Disorders: Beneficial in cough, asthma, bronchitis, and hoarseness of voice

·         Digestive Health: Improves appetite, relieves constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating

·         Anti-inflammatory: Useful in swelling, joint pain, and inflammatory conditions

·         Skin Disorders: Helpful in ulcers, wounds, eczema, and itching

·         Fever: Used in intermittent and Kapha-Vata type fevers

·         Helminthic Infections: Acts as an anthelmintic

·         Eye Health: Leaf juice traditionally used in eye disorders (external use under guidance)

Dosage

·         Leaf Juice (Swarasa): 10–20 ml

·         Powder (Churna): 3–6 g

·         Decoction (Kwatha): As prescribed

Precautions

·         Excess use may aggravate Pitta

·         Internal use during pregnancy should be avoided

·         Use under Ayurvedic physician’s supervision