Peganum harmala

Peganum harmala L

Whole plant

Peganum harmala is a much branched deciduous herb or under shrub. Leaves much divided, lobes or segments, linear, short pointed. Stipules bristle like. Flower solitary, sessile or stalked in the axils of branches. Sepals five, linear, pointed, persistent, usually longer than the petals. Petals five, white oblong, soon falling off. Seeds many, angled. The whole plant has a disagreeable and powerful odor.

In Gilgit/Baltistan it is found in graveyards and on the dry banks and mountain deserts in considerable quantity.

The seeds are antispasmodic, hypnotic, antiperiodic, emetic, alterative, anthelmintic and narcotic. Seeds powder is recommended as anthelmintic and decoction of seeds is given in laryngitis. Leave decoction is given in rheumatism. Root is applied to kill lice. It forms a useful medicine in hysterical affections, in coughs, croupy affections, colic and flatulence, being a mild stomachic.

Locally the seeds of the plant are well known for fragrance and for insect killing properties when burnt. It is used as devil repellent and against evil eyes.