Fagonia (Dhanvayasa)

Dhamasa is a small, spiny, much-branched desert herb of the caltrop family with tiny leaves and pale violet star-shaped flowers. Plants of this group grow in dry, rocky and sandy regions from the Mediterranean and Arabia to north-western India. The species name Fagonia cretica is now treated under Zygophyllum.

In Ayurveda the whole plant is known as Dhanvayasa and is described in classical texts as a bitter, cooling herb. It has traditionally been used in preparations for skin care and general wellness.