- Region
- Africa
- Origin
- Africa, Asia, Oceania (pantropical)
- Sanskrit
- Apamarga
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Chinese medical traditions
Africa · Herb · № 399
Achyranthes aspera
Herb · Africa
Prickly chaff flower
Achyranthes aspera
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, diuretic, cleansing, antipyretic, laxative; for oedema from the kidneys, bronchial complaints, leprosy, stomach ache, haemorrhoids, boils, incipient diarrhoea; abortifacient in high doses.
Safety notes
Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
- Chinese materia medica: Not during pregnancy. Diphtheria and snakebites are medical emergencies.
Preparation
Decoction 28–56 ml, 2–3 times a day (boil 56 g plant in 900 ml water for 20 min); leaf juice; leaf powder with honey.
Use in traditions
In Ayurveda (apamarga) the ash of the plant is used to make alkaline preparations (kshara), and the stems serve as toothbrushes. In Hindu rituals the plant belongs to Rishi Panchami. Chinese medicine uses the root of related species (niu xi) to move the blood. Sanskrit name: Apamarga.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Astringent, diuretic, cleansing, antipyretic, laxative; for oedema from the kidneys, bronchial complaints, leprosy, stomach ache, haemorrhoids, boils, incipient diarrhoea; abortifacient in high doses.
Preparation and amount
Decoction 28–56 ml, 2–3 times a day (boil 56 g plant in 900 ml water for 20 min); leaf juice; leaf powder with honey.
Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- bitter, sour, neutral
- Meridians
- liver, kidney
Attributed effects
Used in China (tu niu xi) to cool heat and 'toxin' in sore throat, abscesses and ulcers, to move the blood in menstrual complaints, and for snakebites.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 10–30 g a day, usually in a decoction. For mumps the powdered root is applied with water as a poultice.
Caution: Not during pregnancy. Diphtheria and snakebites are medical emergencies.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionSyrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen