Agastya; The West Indian Tree.
Introduction:
Agastya (Sesbania grandiflora) is a fast growing, soft wooded tree, native to South Asia and North Australia. According to Ayurveda, the flowers of this tree bloom in the Agastya star day of autumn so the plant is named ‘Agastya’. The tree has another name ‘Agathi’, named after a famous seer Agathi who practiced Ayurvedic Rasayana procedures in the beautiful abode of Himalayas and he loved the tree very much. Agastya tree has many names in different parts of the country such as: Agasta, Agasti, Bakpushpa, Vakrapushpa, Vangasena, West Indian Tree, Vegetable Hummingbird, Flamingo Bill etc. Agastya trees are found in humid tropical regions and also cultivated in many parts of the country as well as in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Indonesia and Philippines. Three species of the plant Agastya are found in Bharat bearing white, red and pink flowers. Generally the plant bears flowers in September and October. Traditional Vaidyas and religious preachers of Hindu religion suggest having vegetable of the flower of Agastya at least once in a year. Ayurveda do agree with the fact that the vegetable of Agastya flower is a good immunity booster. It has a very soothing effect on the body and is helpful in managing stress and anxiety under control. South Indians offer the flowers of this tree to Lord Shiva and believe that they can please the Lord by this offering. The juice of this plant can help in purifying diamond and cleaning diamond jewellery.
Nutritional Values:
Agastya flowers and leaves are awarded with a myriad of nutrients by nature such as protein, minerals and vitamins. Different parts of the plant Agastya are good sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, thiamine, and niacin. Flowers contain many minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, selenium, iron and phosphorus. Agastya leaves contain proteins with all eight essential amino acids and significant amount of calcium. The seeds of the plant contain powerful chemo-protective agents like leucocyanidin and cyanidin. Seeds of Agastya also contain Saponins and Sesbanimide which possesses strong antibacterial and antibiotic properties capable of detoxifying the system of human body.
Uses:
The uses of the plant Agastya and its parts can be classified into four parts: 1. as a food supplement, 2. as a source of fodder for cattle, 3. Medicinal uses, 4. Industrial use.
*As a food supplement: Young leaves, green pods and unopened flowers of Agastya can be eaten as spicy vegetables, steamed vegetables, added to curries and sauces. The white flowering variety produces an abundance of flowers widely used as many dishes not only in our country but also in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, other South Asian countries and Australia. The flowers of Agastya are low in fat but very rich source of calcium, iron, phosphorus, protein, minerals and vitamins.
*As a source of fodder for cattle: The leaves and the pods of the plant Agastya can be a good source of fodder for cattle. Agastya plant is one of the exotic multipurpose fodder trees introduced in the Ethiopian highlands for livestock feed and soil conservation. It has been proved on the basis of experiments done on the leaves and pods of Agastya plants that as a fodder the remains of the plant are very nutritious for the physical growth and also in the milk production growth in cattle.
*Medicinal uses: Ayurvedic researches on different parts of the plant Agastya have evidences of the medicinal uses of barks, leaves, flowers and gums over many health conditions. Agastya leaves and flowers have been used extensively in Ayurveda for treating several ailments including migraine, sinusitis, fever and respiratory conditions. The leaves possess powerful anthelmintic (treatment against parasitic infections), diuretic and laxative properties. The flowers contain analgesic properties capable of curing headache, Vitamin A for curing night-blindness and cataracts. The bark of the plant is used to treat diarrhea, gonorrhea, malaria and smallpox. Panchang of the plant Agastya are known to aggravate Pitta doshas, calms down aggravated Vata doshas, and clears out excess Kapha doshas.
*Industrial Uses: The wood of the tree Agastya is too light to be a good fuel for metallurgical processes as charcoal made from the wood. Cork making industries and paper pulp making industries use the wood of the plant as raw material for the products. Juice of the leaves and green pods are used by diamond industry to purify diamonds.
Health Benefits:
*Immunity: Regular use of decoction of Agastya leaves is very beneficial for those who have weak immune system. Agastya leaves are imbued with powerful antioxidants eligible to guard the cells of our body against free radical oxidation and scavenge against free hydroxyl radicals and avert DNA damage. Regular intake of Agastya leaves and bark as decoction or powdered form uplifts the levels of zinc, selenium, calcium, iron and magnesium in the blood. Preparations of this herb can reduce the level of harmful compounds present in the blood like glutathione reeducates glutathione S transferees. Herbal tea of Agastya is a good immune-booster and suggested by Ayurvedic practitioners especially at the time of transition of seasons.
*Microbial Infections: Agastya leaves and flowers are very effective herbal treatment against microbial infections. Very rich in antimicrobial and anti oxidant properties, the leaves and flowers of Agastya protect from attack of micro-0rganism like bacteria and fungi and also decrease free radical damage in the body. Particularly antifungal effects of the leaves of the herb fight against fungi responsible for fungal infections in ear, nose and throat. Leaves, bark and flowers of Agastya possess powerful antimicrobial property against E-coli, aurous, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
*Diabetes: Regular intake of the preparations and even dishes prepared from leaves and flowers of Agastya regulates the functions of pancreas and excretion of insulin to maintain the level of blood sugar. They also work to bring down the cholesterol level, triglyceride level, and maintain lipid profile. So the leaves and flowers of the herbal tree Agastya are very helpful in maintaining the health of the blood and also the heart.
*Bones Strength: Adequate amount of calcium, phosphorus and vitamins present in the leaves, flowers, barks and green pods of Agastya make the plant very useful in strengthening bones and reducing the risks of osteoporosis and arthritis especially in older people. Regular addition of these nutrient-dense leaves and flowers in diet or herbal tea of the leaves of this herbal tree prevent fragile bones, improves bone density, and support the health of bones.
*Female Health: Flowers of Agastya help to maintain female health and elevate female reproductive health. This herb is also useful treatment of female disease leucorrhea. Some preparations of the leaves and flowers of the herb are useful in treatment of uterus and vaginal infections.
*Cancer: The leaves of Agastya having strong antioxidant properties prevent lipid per-oxidation and hinder the growth of tumor cells. The flowers of the herbal tree have apoptosis effect against lung cancer and also avert and treat colon cancer.
Dosage:
Leaf Juice – 10 to 20 ml. Decoction – 50 to 100 ml. Flowers – 2 to 5 at a time but twice a day.
Side Effects/Precautions:
No any side effect of using Agastya leaves, flowers, green pods, barks and roots have been reported yet, but there may be some complications due to allergic conditions. Only precaution related to the use of this herb is that ‘excess of everything is bad and hence for it also.’
Conclusion:
Agastya is a herbal tree full of properties useful for human being as food, medicine and also as a religious object. Tender leaves, flowers and green pods are used to prepare dishes like vegetables, curries and pickles. Leaves, soft parts of branches and stem and green pods are good fodder for cattle. Some parts of the tree are used in some industries also. People of South offer the flowers of his herbal tree to Lord Shiva to please Him. Many health issues can be addressed by using various parts of the plant. So it can be said without any hesitation that Agastya is a boon for us given by nature.
FAQs:
- What are the common uses of Agastya plant?
Leaves, flowers and green pods are used as vegetables and other dishes in the kitchen, but these parts of the plant are good remedy for various health conditions also.
- What are the effects of Agastya on Tri-Doshas?
Adequate amount of preparations of Agastya balance the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas and prevent from many diseases.
- 3. Is it possible to take Agastya as herbal tea?
Yes, of course, many people have it daily and boost their immunity.
- Is there any limitation for taking herbal tea of Agastya/decoction of Agastya?
Yes, it is quite sufficient to take twice a day.
- Can a diabetic person take Agastya?
Why not! Agastya is a good solution for diabetes.
- Which is the best time to take Agastya?
Morning and evening are the best times to take it as medicine, but it can be consumed any time as food.
- Is there any side effect of taking Agastya?
No, not at all, but allergic persons should avoid it.
- Is Agastya helpful in night-blindness?
Yes, flowers of Agastya contain rich amount of vitamin A, so it is the best remedy for night-blindness.
