What Stillpoint "Nose"

• Khella essential oil, derived from Ammi visnaga, remains relatively obscure in the realm of popular aromatherapy. This limited awareness could be attributed to the prevalent use of other plant extracts in research, overshadowing the essential oil. Found predominantly in the plant's umbels and fruit, the oil's composition is influenced by both the plant's maturity stage and the specific part used.

• Research led by Iraj Rasooli unveiled that A. visnaga essential oil exhibits remarkable antimicrobial activity. Notably, it's highly effective against harmful bacteria like E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as also confirmed by Khalfallah (2011). This efficacy positions Khella as a potential key ingredient in treatments for respiratory issues and urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially when paired with other essential oils like tea tree and sandalwood.

• A Personal Account From my professional experience, A. visnaga essential oil proves to be an exceptional bronchial antispasmodic, likely due to its ester content. This makes it particularly effective for respiratory distress and asthmatic conditions, offering a gentler alternative to traditional oils that contain 1.8 cineole, which can sometimes trigger asthma attacks.

• A striking example comes from my Aromatherapy Certification course, where a student, suffering from asthma, found relief with a Khella-based inhaler formula. This blend also featured Chamaemelum nobile, Citrus bergamia, and Inula graveolens, demonstrating Khella's potential in easing respiratory discomfort.

• In formulations aimed at addressing cold and flu symptoms, Khella pairs effectively with Thymus vulgaris ct thymol, Lavandula angustifolia, and Eucalyptus dives, providing significant relief.

• It's crucial to note that Khellin, a pivotal compound in herbal preparations of Ammi visnaga, is absent in the distilled essential oil. Historically, Khellin has been utilized for a range of medical conditions, including renal colic, angina pectoris, asthma, and vitiligo (Kilicaslan, 2012).

• Interestingly, despite lacking Khellin, Khella essential oil has shown anecdotal success in easing allergies. When used alongside Blue Tansy and Helichrysum italicum, it has helped clients with respiratory allergies and allergic dermatitis. This highlights the complex synergy in essential oils that transcends their individual components.

Traditional Use of Khella

• Ammi visnaga, commonly known as Khella, boasts a long and storied history dating back to 1546-1526 BC, as evidenced in Eber’s papyrus. Originating from the fertile Nile Delta, this herb is among the oldest known in herbal medicine.

• The renowned Greek physician and botanist, Dioscorides (40-90 AD), played a pivotal role in documenting the use of Ammi visnaga. He named the plant "Ammi," derived from the Greek word "Ammos," meaning sand—a nod to Khella's affinity for sandy soils. The term "Visnaga" is believed to have originated from "bis actum," translating to "doubly pointed," as noted by Alam in 2018.

• From Urinary Ailments to Modern Uses Historically, Khella was a staple in Egyptian folk medicine, primarily used for treating urinary calculi and bladder stones. Even today, its dried umbels are found in markets across the Middle East and Far East, where they are used as toothpicks, giving rise to names like "Toothpick plant" and "Toothpick Ammi."

• Loniceras' Observations According to Loniceras, Ammi was considered a hot, dry plant, making it suitable for treating "cold afflictions." This included its use for alleviating irritable stomachs, stimulating menstruation, and addressing urinary and reproductive issues. The seeds of the plant were historically used to treat sterility, convulsions in the urethra, and kidney stones. Additionally, Khella was known for its effectiveness in treating vertigo, diabetes, and headaches, as highlighted by Khallil in 2020.

Botany

Energetics and Chakras

Energetic, Spiritual, and Emotional Qualities of Khella

• Khella essential oil, derived from the seeds of the A. visnaga plant, is known for its unique ability to resonate with multiple chakras, particularly the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chakras. Through my extensive training in Energetic Medicine and subtle aromatherapy, I have observed its profound impact on these energy centers.

• The second Chakra, centered around creation energy and interpersonal relationships, responds positively to Khella. Clients have reported smoother emotional dynamics after using Khella aromasticks. This chakra, crucial for personal and physical needs, finds balance and harmony through the subtle energies of Khella essential oil (Myss, 2017).

• Focusing on the third Chakra, the Solar Plexus or Manipura, Khella essential oil has been instrumental in bolstering personal power and self-esteem. Application of Khella to this chakra has led to increased decision-making strength, reduced anxiety, and a clearer mindset. The Solar Plexus Chakra, a mediator between external and internal consciousness, benefits significantly from Khella's properties (Myss, 2017).

• Fostering Unconditional Love The Heart Chakra, or Anahata, is the central powerhouse of the human energy system. Khella essential oil plays a crucial role in nurturing unconditional love and compassion within this chakra. With its influence on the respiratory and circulatory systems, Khella supports both physical and spiritual aspects of the Heart Chakra (Myss, 2017).

• The Case of Khella Seed oils like Khella, with their protective and nurturing qualities, are vital in chakra healing. They assist in processing information, nurturing new ideas, overcoming blockages, and facilitating transformation across physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual challenges (Musacchio, 2020; Stillpoint, 2020).

Therapeutic Benefits of Khella

Aroma-Chemistry of Khella

•  isoamyl 2-methylbutyrate
• isoamyl isobutyrate
• iso-butyl-2-methylbutyrate
• 2-methylbutyl 2-methylbutyrate
• 2-methylbutyl isobutyrate
• isoamyl isovalerate
• monoterpenols - linalool predominantly
• monoterpenes – various

Aroma of Khella

Recipes and Blends

Safety Information for Khella

References