๐ŸŒAfrican Traditional Medicine

Khella

Ammi visnaga

About Khella

Khella (Ammi visnaga) is a herb used in the African Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Asthma, Kidney Stones, Skin Disorders, and Circulation. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Visnaga daucoides is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family known by many common names, including toothpick-plant, toothpickweed, bisnaga, khella, or sometimes bishop's weed. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it can be found throughout the world as an introduced species.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts ยท internalLeaves ยท internal
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Tea / Infusion

1โ€“3 cups daily
  • Steep 1โ€“2 tsp of dried Khella in freshly boiled water for 5โ€“10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
๐Ÿ’ง

Tincture

20โ€“40 drops in water, 2โ€“3ร— daily
  • Pack dried Khella into a jar and cover with 40โ€“60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4โ€“6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
๐Ÿ’Š

Powder / Capsule

500 mg โ€“ 1 g, 1โ€“3ร— daily
  • Grind dried Khella into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
โ™จ๏ธ

Steam Inhalation

1โ€“2ร— daily during acute symptoms
  • Add 2โ€“3 tbsp of Khella to a bowl of just-boiled water.
  • Drape a towel over your head and inhale steam for 5โ€“10 minutes.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding โ€” insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 โ€” therapeutic dosage not established
  • Pre-surgery โ€” discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)

Warnings

โš ๏ธ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.

โ›” Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.

โš ๏ธ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

โš ๏ธ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

โš ๏ธ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Sub-Saharan Africa

Climate

Tropical savannah

Habitat

Savannahs, tropical forests, and traditional healing gardens across Africa

๐ŸŒฟ To see Khella growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier โ€” never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • African herbal markets and medicine practitioners
  • West African grocery stores (in diaspora communities)
  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs โ€” certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient โ€” verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Khella, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products โ€” quality varies enormously.