Visnaga, bisnaga, toothpickweed, khella, False Queen Anne’s Lace, Toothpick Weed

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 12 min read

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Ammi visnaga is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family known by many common names, including Visnaga, bisnaga, toothpickweed, khella, False Queen Anne’s Lace, Toothpick Weed, Ammi, khellin, Spanish toothpick, germakellin and Visnagafruchte. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

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Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Visnaga Facts in simple medical language.
This article explains Visnaga Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Health Benefits of Visnaga (Khella) in simple medical language.
This article explains Traditional uses and benefits of Visnaga in simple medical language.

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Definition

Ammi visnaga is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family known by many common names, including Visnaga, bisnaga, toothpickweed, khella, False Queen Anne’s Lace, Toothpick Weed, Ammi, khellin, Spanish toothpick, germakellin and Visnagafruchte. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but it can be found throughout the world as an introduced species. The word comes from the Greek term ammos meaning “sand” and refers to the plant’s habitat. The generic name “visnaga” is supposed to have developed from the term “bis acutum” meaning “doubly pointed”.

Visnaga Facts

Name	Visnaga
Scientific Name	Ammi visnaga
Native	Europe, Asia, and North Africa
Common Names	Visnaga, bisnaga, toothpickweed, khella, False Queen Anne’s Lace, Toothpick Weed, Ammi, khellin, Spanish toothpick, germakellin and Visnagafruchte
Name in Other Languages	Arabic: Khulat baldaa ( خلة بلدى) Khilla baladi, Sewak el nabi, siwak alnabaa (سِواك النبى) Siwāk al nabī Catalan: Bisnaga Chinese: Ā mǐ qín (阿米芹) Czech: Morač zákrovnatý, Pakmín visnaga Dutch: Fijn akkerscherm English: Bisnaga, False Queen Anne’s lace, Khella, Lesser bishop’s weed, Toothpick ammi, Toothpick plant, Toothpickweed, Visnaga Finnish: Sirosudenporkkana. Sudenporkkana French: Ammi commun, Herbe aux cure dents, Ammi visnage, Herbe-aux-gencives, Petit ammi German: Bischofskraut, Bischofskrautfruchte, Visnagafruchte, Zahnstocher-Ammei, Zahnstocherkraut, Zahnstocher-Knorpelmöhre, Kleine Knorpelmöhre Greek: Aμμιος κοινός Ammios koinós Hebrew: אמיתה קיצית Amita keitzit Hindi: Khella Italian: Visnaga commune Japanese: Anmi bisunaga ( アンミ・ビスナガ) Norwegian: Tannstikke Persian: El viellah (Pakistan) Polish: Aminek egipski, Aminek zębodłubka, Kela egipska Portuguese: Bisnagueira (Brazil), Visnagueira (Brazil) Russian: Ammi zubnaia (Амми зубная), Visnaga morkovevidnaia (Виснага морковевидная), ammi zubnaja Spanish: Escuradentis, Visnaga, viznaga Swedish: Tandpetarsilja Turkish: Daraklı otu, Diş otu
Plant Growth Habit	Herbaceous medicinal plant
Soil	Prefers well-drained soil, which consists of easily crumbled or pulverized mixture of clay, silt and sand
Plant Size	120 cm in height
Root	Root is fattened and looks like the root of the carrot
Stem	Erect and highly branched
Leaf	20 centimeters long and generally oval to triangular in shape but dissected into many small linear to lance-shaped segments
Flowering Periods	Jul to September
Flower	Pentamerous, tetracyclic with radial symmetry, bearing five stamens and inferior ovary composed from two united carpels.
Fruit Shape & Size	Compressed oval-shaped structure consisting of two mericarpes and around 3 mm in length
Taste	Bitter, pungent
Seeds	Small smooth seeds about 2mm long. One seed head can offer up a multitude of seeds.
Plant Parts Used	Seeds, fruit
Health Benefits	Skin Conditions Kidneys, Liver & Gall Bladder Cardiovascular System Respiratory System
Culinary Uses	Leaves chewed for their pleasant aromatic flavor.
Other Facts	The fruiting pedicel is used as a toothpick whilst the seeds have been used as a tooth cleaner.

Visnaga Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Ammi visnaga

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (land plants)
Superdivision	Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Class	Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Subclass	Rosidae
Order	Apiales
Family	Apiaceae ⁄ Umbelliferae (Carrot family)
Genus	Ammi L. (ammi)
Species	Ammi visnaga (L.) Lam. (toothpickweed)
Synonyms	Ammi dilatatum St.-Lag Ammi visnaga var. hybernonis Sennen Ammi visnaga var. longibracteatum Zohary Ammi visnaga var. paui Sennen Apium visnaga (L.) Crantz Carum visnaga (L.) Koso-Pol Daucus gingidium L. ex DC Daucus laevis Salisb Daucus visnaga L Selinum visnaga Krause Sium visnaga (L.) Stokes Visnaga daucoides Gaertn Visnaga vera Raf

Plant Description

Visnaga is an herbaceous medicinal plant that grows about 120 cm in height. The plant is found growing in well-drained soil, which consists of easily crumbled or pulverized mixture of clay, silt and sand. Root is fattened and looks like the root of the carrot. Stem is erect and highly branched. Leaves are up to 20 cm long and generally oval to triangular in shape but divided into many small linear to lance-shaped segments. Flowers are pentamerous, tetracyclic with radial symmetry, bearing five stamens and inferior ovary composed from two united carpels. Flowering normally takes place from Jul to September. The fruit is a compressed oval-shaped structure consisting of two mericarpes and around 3 mm in length. Tiny fruits bear small, irregular, grey colored, smooth seeds about 2mm long. One seed head can offer up a multitude of seeds. Seeds have a characteristic odor and are lingering on taste. Khella flowers in about two months and the fruits become ready for harvesting when the flower heads turn brown.

Health Benefits of Visnaga (Khella)

Ammi visnaga is a weed and is used in many countries as herbal medicine for different purposes. Ancient records reveal numerous medicinal properties of A. visnaga as a popular source to cure variety of different ailments. The plant is used directly as an herb or as a component for production of a number of herbal medicines used in the cure of renal colic, ureteric stones, angina pectoris, the coronary vessels, cardiovascular disorders and asthma. Also it is used as a folk medicine for vitiligo and psoriasis. The following are some of the health benefits of the visnaga herb

1. Cardiovascular System

Animal based research has discovered that visnagin could confidently affect the cardiovascular health of animals. Khella acts as a vasolidator and thus helps in reducing the blood pressure levels. Herb helps in relaxing the blood vessels due to its powerful anti-spasmodic actions on the coronary arteries. It can be used for increasing HDL levels, mild forms of angina (chest pain), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), congestive heart failure and atherosclerosis.

2. Kidneys, Liver & Gall Bladder

Herb is diuretic and it helps in preventing & treating kidney stones. Animal research conducted on rats, had discovered that the herb could reduce renal crystal deposition. Additionally Khella is used to treat urinary tract infections as the herb has anti-fungal & anti-bacterial properties. Many believe that Khella helps in the proper functioning of the gall bladder and the liver. The herb helps in treating gall stones efficiently.

3. Skin Conditions

Khella is also used in treating skin related infections. In some ancient Egyptian and Indian documents, the use of the herb to treat vitiligo has been mentioned prominently. Some also claim that the herb can be taken by mouth to treat psoriasis.

Apart from that the herb is applied directly to the skin to treat hair loss. Due to its infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory properties, Khella is also used to treat wounds, poisonous bites and skin swelling.

4. Respiratory System

According to some, Khella positively affects the working of the bronchial muscles. The fruit of the herb is related with the treatment of asthma, whooping cough, bronchitis and emphysema.

5. Other Benefits

Another benefit of Khella includes its use as a muscle relaxant due to the presence of Khellin. Some claim that the herb can help in treating menstrual pain and PMS.

Traditional uses and benefits of Visnaga

Tea made from the fruit of this species has been used as an herbal remedy for kidney stones in Egypt.
Visnaga is an effective muscle relaxant and has been used for centuries to alleviate the unbearable pain of kidney stones.
Visnagin contains khellin, from which particularly safe pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of asthma have been made.
Seeds are diuretic and lithontripic.
This has been shown to be of benefit in the treatment of asthma.
Taken internally, the seeds have a strongly antispasmodic action on the smaller bronchial muscles; they also dilate the bronchial, urinary and blood vessels without affecting blood pressure.
Seeds are used in the treatment of asthma, angina, coronary arteriosclerosis and kidney stones.
By relaxing the muscles of the urethra, visnaga reduces the pain caused by trapped kidney stones and helps ease the stone down into the bladder.
It increases the ratio of HDL to LDL in the blood. It reduces plague formation in the linings of Arteries.
It relieves the pain in Angina Pectoris.
It is used for the treatment of Vitiligo.
It relieves wounds, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, Psoriasis and Poisonous bites.
Whole fruit has traditionally been used to treat respiratory system diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and whooping cough, as well as cardiovascular disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), liver and gall bladder disorders and to stimulate diuresis.
Ammi visnaga may vasodilate the coronary arteries, which increases the blood supply to the myocardium, and as a result, can be used to treat mild forms of angina.
It is also used to treat problems associated with spasms and constriction of the gallbladder and bile duct and facilitates the discharge of kidney stones and gallstones.
Khella helps to reduce the pain caused by the stones trapped in kidney by loosening up the ureter muscles.
It is widely used to heal asthma and is also considered to be safe medication even for children.
Khella is an efficient medication for different respiratory ailments and is helpful in curing bronchitis, emphysema, and whooping cough.
Khella is also used for diseases of the heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular disorders) including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias), congestive heart failure (CHF), chest pain (angina), “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis), and high cholesterol.
Other uses include treatment of insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">diabetes, colic and abdominal cramps, liver and gallbladder disorders, kidney stones, and fluid retention.
Women sometimes use khella for menstrual pain and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Some people apply khellin taken from khella directly to the skin and then expose the area to light to treat skin problems such as vitiligo, psoriasis, and patchy hair loss.
Khella is also put on the skin to treat wounds, skin redness and swelling (infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation), and poisonous bites.
Researchers in Andalusia, Spain have used the best quality of khella to cleanse teeth and the results were said to be excellent.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Visnaga

For cold and cough: 1 tablespoon of seeds crushed and tied up in a small cloth bundle is used for inhalation; for nasal congestion. Use a similar bundle, placed it near the pillow while sleeping; for cough Drink hot water after chewing little khella seeds; dry cough. Chew betel leaf with khella at night before sleeping
Influenza: Drink boiled water with some khella seeds and cinnamon bark for 3 days 3 times a day
Flatulence relief, spasmodic disorders relief: Eat khella seeds with betel leaves.
Indigestion (diarrhea): Household remedy is to eat a teaspoon of khella with a little rock salt, or take 1 to 3 drops of khella oil.
Toothache: Burn khella seeds, after two hour do gargle with lukewarm water (boil 1 tsp. of ground khella with little salt) and take it two to three times a day.
Earache: Put one two drops of khella into your ear, it will relieves the pain.
Mouth disorders: For cut pharyngitis, sore and congested throat and hoarseness of the voice (after shouting or due to colds). Make an infusion of seeds mixed with common salt.
Rheumatism: Apply on the affected parts of the body, where it hearts.
Heartache: Take 1 tablespoon of khella seeds with hot water, it will stimulates the heart and relieves heart.
Asthma (and heart disease): Take 30 to 60 drops, 3 to 5 times per day. For positive effects khella should be taken for at least several weeks. These 3 doses throughout the day and a dose before bed assure you a quiet night without an asthma attack.

Dosage

Most studies conducted on this herb are animal based. Hence, there is no proven recommended dosage level of Khella for humans. Some say, 30 drops of the herbal extract in water can be taken three times per day. For making an infusion, one teaspoon of the herb can be used for a cup of water and steeped for 25 minutes.

Precautions

Skin contact with the sap is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people.
Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation.
Avoid if on warfarin or other blood thinning medication.
Prolonged use may lead to constipation, appetite loss, headaches, vertigo, nausea and vomiting.
People with high blood pressure or Heart disease should consult a doctor before taking this herb.
Overdose may cause liver problems, Nausea, headache and insomnia.
Khella might make liver disease worse. Don’t use it if you have liver problems.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Emergency care / cardiology / medicine doctor

Tests to discuss with doctor

ECG as early as possible when chest pain suggests heart risk
Troponin or cardiac blood tests if doctor suspects heart attack
Blood pressure, oxygen level, chest examination, and other tests as advised urgently

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Is this heart-related, and do I need emergency observation?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first

If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story

Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician

A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests

Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse

If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

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