- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa (north), Asia (west and central), Europe (south)
- Sanskrit
- Harmal
- Other names
- Syrische wijnruit
- Traditions
- Local African healing traditions, Ayurveda, Unani medicine
Africa · Herb · № 536
Peganum harmala
Herb · Africa
Syrian rue
Peganum harmala
Traditionally attributed effects: cleansing, antipyretic, stimulating, promotes menstruation; against tapeworm, intermittent fever and chronic malaria, pain-relieving in asthma, colic, jaundice; promotes milk and menstruation; gargle for sore throat; against head lice.
Safety notes
Contains harmine and harmaline, which inhibit the breakdown of serotonin and other substances (MAO inhibitors): dangerous in combination with antidepressants and certain foods, and toxic in overdose. Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Not during pregnancy (abortifacient). Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis belong with a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Not in pregnancy (abortifacient). Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
In Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Kashmir the seeds (espand, esfand) are scattered on glowing coals; the fragrant smoke is meant to ward off the evil eye and bad influences, for example at a wedding. The dried seed capsules are also hung on a string at home or in the car. Internal use is dangerous.
Use in traditions
From Morocco to Central Asia the seeds are scattered on hot coals against the evil eye; in Iran this is called esfand. In Unani medicine the plant is called harmal, in North Africa harmel. The seeds also provided a red dye for carpets. Sanskrit name: Harmal.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Cleansing, antipyretic, stimulating, promotes menstruation; against tapeworm, intermittent fever and chronic malaria, pain-relieving in asthma, colic, jaundice; promotes milk and menstruation; gargle for sore throat; against head lice.
Preparation and amount
Traditionally used forms: decoction, powder, oil, paste, incense.
Caution: Not in pregnancy (abortifacient). Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen