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Achyranthes aspera - Apamarga, Devil's horsewhip

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Chaff-flower

Achyranthes aspera is a species of plant in the Amaranthaceae family. It is distributed throughout the tropical world. It can be found in many places growing as an introduced species and a common weed. It is an invasive species in some areas, including many Pacific Islands environments.

Uses

Body aches, Post abortion pain, Costodynia, Jaundice, Fever, Anorexia, Amenorrhoea, Dysmenorrhoea, Menoxenia, Leucorrhoea, Habitual abortion.

Parts Used

Seeds, Roots.

Chemical Composition

Roots contains: triterpenoid saponins, betaine, achyranthine, hentriacontane, ecdysterone and two glycosides of oleanolic acid. Seeds: amino acids.[1]

Common names

Language Common name
Kannada Uttaraani ಉತ್ತರಾಣಿ
Hindi Chirchita, Latjira
Malayalam Kadaladi, Katalati
Tamil Nayurivi, Shiru-kadaladi
Telugu Antisha, Apamargamu, Uttareni
Marathi Aghada, Apamarga
Gujarathi NA
Punjabi NA
Kashmiri NA
Sanskrit Apamarga
English Prickly Chaff Flower, Chaff-flower, Crocus stuff

[2]

Properties

Reference: Dravya - Substance, Rasa - Taste, Guna - Qualities, Veerya - Potency, Vipaka - Post-digesion effect, Karma - Pharmacological activity, Prabhava - Therepeutics.

Dravya

Rasa

Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)

Guna

Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Tikshna (Sharp)

Veerya

Ushna (Hot)

Vipaka

Katu (Pungent)

Karma

Prabhava

Habit

Perennial herb

Identification

Leaf

Kind Shape Feature
Simple, opposite Elliptic-obovate Leaf Apex is Obtuse-acute, Leaf Base is Cuneate and Leaf Margin is Entire.

[3]

Flower

Type Size Color and composition Stamen More information
Unisexual 2-4cm long Yellowish-white 10 Flowering throughout the year and In terminal or axillary spikes

Fruit

Type Size Mass Appearance Seeds More information
Achene Falling off with bracteoles and perianths Seed solitary Fruiting season July to October

Other features

List of Ayurvedic medicine in which the herb is used

Where to get the saplings

Mode of Propagation

Seeds.

How to plant/cultivate

Cultivated as a food crop in China. A very variable specie.

Commonly seen growing in areas

Tropical area.

Photo Gallery

References

External Links