Achyranthes aspera

Other Names : chaff-flower, prickly chaff flower, devil's horsewhip, Sanskrit: अपामार्ग apamarga

Special Precautions of Achyranthes aspera

• In high dose, it may cause vomiting.
• It is not suitable for use in pregnant ladies. Can be used in lactating mothers and in children in lower doses for limited period of time.
• For men, undergoing infertility treatment, it is better to avoid long term usage of Apamarga.

Health Benefits and uses of Achyranthes asperaare

• in Uttar Pradesh, the plant is used for medicinal purposes, especially in obstetrics and gynecology, including abortion, induction of labor, and cessation of postpartum bleeding.
• The Maasai people of Kenya use the plant medicinally to ease the symptoms of malaria.
• Ayurveda : Achyranthes aspera is one of the powerful Ayurvedic herb. It is used to prepare a special medicine called Kshara, used extensively in surgical procedures to treat fistula, and as oral medicine for obesity, tumors etc.
• Apamarga root paste is applied externally to relieve pain, in scorpion bite, in cases of urticaria, itching etc.
• Apamarga kshara is used in making an oil – Apamarga kshara taila – used as ear drops for ear disorders.
• Achyranthes aspera for weight loss : Chedi – has scraping effect, useful in cholesterol deposition, fat reduction. Hence, Apamarga is one of the efficient herbs to induce weight loss. Medohara – reduces fat deposition.

References

• Khan, A. V. and A. A. Khan. Ethnomedicinal uses of Achyranthes aspera L. (Amaranthaceae) in management of gynaecological disorders in western Uttar Pradesh (India). Archived November 24, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. Ethnoleaflets.
• Bussmann, R. W.; Gilbreath, G. G.; Solio, J; Lutura, M; Lutuluo, R; Kunguru, K; Wood, N; Mathenge, S. G. (2006). "Plant use of the Maasai of Sekenani Valley, Maasai Mara, Kenya". Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 2: 22. doi:10.1186/1746-4269-2-22. PMC 1475560Freely accessible. PMID 16674830.