Witnessed by: Western · Unani
Gum ammoniac (Dorema ammoniacum), of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family. Tall stout umbelliferous herb exuding a milky gum-resin; native range: Deserts and steppes of Persia and Central Asia. Globally recognized as ushaq (اشق) in Arabic, kandal / ushaq in Hindi, and ammoniacum, gum ammoniac, feshook in English. The part used is gum-resin (dried exudate). Pale yellow brittle tears, bitter and acrid on the tongue, with a garlicky balsamic smell.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
GUM AMMONIAC
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- Gum ammoniac
- Scientific name
- Dorema ammoniacum D.Don
- Family
- Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Form
- Part used
- gum-resin (dried exudate)
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter · acrid
- Unani
- bitter · acrid
Temperature
Western: hot (and dry)
Unani: hot (and dry, second degree)
convergence: both {witness_count} witnesses reckon it warming and drying
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- lungs · spleen
- Unani
- lungs · spleen · joints
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- expectorant, antispasmodic, resolvent, stimulant and diaphoretic; a resolvent in plasters for hard swellings
- Unani
- munzij wa mukhrij-e-balgham (ripens and expels phlegm), muhallil (resolvent), mulattif (attenuant), kaasir-e-riyah (carminative)
Cautions
- Contraindications
- acute febrile or hot inflammatory lung states, and pregnancy
- Toxicity
- large doses gripe and nauseate; a local irritant
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