Achyranthes aspera
Achyranthes aspera
Achyranthes aspera belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. Seeds and dried plant are used for its medicinal properties. A.aspera is rich in carbohydrates and protein and also has chemical constituents such as glycosides, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavoides, lignin etc. It also contains potassium which acts as an antacid (reduces the acidity), because it is alkaline (A solution of a soluble base with pH greater than 7) and is able to counteract (reduce the effect) acidity. It is also useful in various other ailments such as asthma, cough, spleen enlargement, cholera, stomach disorders, skin infections, eye infections and insect bites[1][2].
Apamarga has two variety Shweta (white) Apamarga-Achyranthes aspera and Rakta (red) Apamarga-Pupalia lappacea.
Apamarga has two variety Shweta (white) Apamarga-Achyranthes aspera and Rakta (red) Apamarga-Pupalia lappacea.
What are the synonyms of Achyranthes aspera?
Chirchira, Adhoghanta, Adhvashalya, Aghamargava, Apang, Safed aghedo, Anghadi, Andhedi, Agheda, Uttaranee, Kadaladi, Katalati
What is the source of Achyranthes aspera?
Plant Based
Benefits of Achyranthes aspera
1. Indigestion
Achyranthes aspera has excellent Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties because of which it helps improve digestive strength and reduce Ama in the body.
2. Cough and Cold
Apamarga Kshar (Apamarga ash) is an effective and strong medicine for expelling excessive Kapha in the body and to give relief from cough due to its property of Ushna virya (hot in potency).
3. Piles or Fistula
Achyranthes aspera also has Virechak (purgative ) quality which helps loosen stool along with increase the bowel movement and lowers the risk of piles or fistula in ano.
4. Worms
Achyranthes aspera also reduces the risk of worm infestation in the gut due to its Krimighna (anti worm) property.
5. Renal calculus
Achyranthes aspera has Tikshna (sharp) and Mutral (diuretic) properties because of which it helps to break down and eliminate renal calculus (kidney stone) when taken orally.
Achyranthes aspera has excellent Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties because of which it helps improve digestive strength and reduce Ama in the body.
2. Cough and Cold
Apamarga Kshar (Apamarga ash) is an effective and strong medicine for expelling excessive Kapha in the body and to give relief from cough due to its property of Ushna virya (hot in potency).
3. Piles or Fistula
Achyranthes aspera also has Virechak (purgative ) quality which helps loosen stool along with increase the bowel movement and lowers the risk of piles or fistula in ano.
4. Worms
Achyranthes aspera also reduces the risk of worm infestation in the gut due to its Krimighna (anti worm) property.
5. Renal calculus
Achyranthes aspera has Tikshna (sharp) and Mutral (diuretic) properties because of which it helps to break down and eliminate renal calculus (kidney stone) when taken orally.
Precautions when using Achyranthes aspera
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Achyranthes aspera should be taken in recommended dosage and duration as higher dose can cause vomiting and nausea.
Ayurvedic View
Achyranthes aspera should be avoided for long-term use in men undergoing infertility treatment.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Achyranthes aspera should be avoided or taken under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Achyranthes aspera should be avoided or taken under medical supervision during pregnancy.
children
Ayurvedic View
Achyranthes aspera should be used in small quantity or under medical supervision if your child is below 12 years.
Recommended Dosage of Achyranthes aspera
- Achyranthes aspera Juice - 1-2 teaspoon juice diluted with water once a day.
- Achyranthes aspera Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Achyranthes aspera Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
How to use Achyranthes aspera
1. Apamarga Jucie with water
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Apamarga Juice
b. Add same quantity of water
c. Take it before taking food once a day.
2. Apamarga Churna with Honey or water
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Apamarga Churna
b. Mix with honey or with water
c. Take it after lunch and dinner.
3. Apamarga or Apamarga kshara Capsule with water
a. Take 1-2 Apamarga or Apamarga kshara capsule
b. Take it with water after taking lunch and dinner.
4. Apamarga Kshar with Honey
Take 1- 2 pinch Apamarga Kshar with honey after taking lunch and dinner.
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Apamarga Juice
b. Add same quantity of water
c. Take it before taking food once a day.
2. Apamarga Churna with Honey or water
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Apamarga Churna
b. Mix with honey or with water
c. Take it after lunch and dinner.
3. Apamarga or Apamarga kshara Capsule with water
a. Take 1-2 Apamarga or Apamarga kshara capsule
b. Take it with water after taking lunch and dinner.
4. Apamarga Kshar with Honey
Take 1- 2 pinch Apamarga Kshar with honey after taking lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Achyranthes aspera
1. Urticaria
According to Ayurveda, the root paste of Achyranthes aspera helps to reduce itching, skin rashes when applied externally due to its property of balancing Vata and Kapha.
2. Earache
Apamarg kshar oil is used to reduce earache due to its property of balancing Vata.
3. Fistula in ano
In Ayurveda, a unique medicine called Apamarga Kshar (Apamarga ash) is used externally in surgical process of fistula.
4. Wound
The juice of Achyranthes asperaleaves help in healing of wound and ulcer due to its Ropan(healing) property when applied directly to them.
5. Insect bites
The paste or juice of Achyranthes aspera leaves help lower the pain in case of insect bite when applied externally due to its properties of Ropan (healing) and balancing Vata.
According to Ayurveda, the root paste of Achyranthes aspera helps to reduce itching, skin rashes when applied externally due to its property of balancing Vata and Kapha.
2. Earache
Apamarg kshar oil is used to reduce earache due to its property of balancing Vata.
3. Fistula in ano
In Ayurveda, a unique medicine called Apamarga Kshar (Apamarga ash) is used externally in surgical process of fistula.
4. Wound
The juice of Achyranthes asperaleaves help in healing of wound and ulcer due to its Ropan(healing) property when applied directly to them.
5. Insect bites
The paste or juice of Achyranthes aspera leaves help lower the pain in case of insect bite when applied externally due to its properties of Ropan (healing) and balancing Vata.
Precautions when using Achyranthes aspera
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Apamarg Kshar should be used under medical supervision when applied on fistula externally.
Ayurvedic View
Apamarga Kshara oil should be used only under medical supervision for earache.
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
The leaves or root paste of Achyranthes aspera should be used with water, milk or any cooling substance while applying on the skin due to its hot potency.
Recommended Dosage of Achyranthes aspera
- Achyranthes aspera Juice - 5-10ml or as per your requirement.
- Achyranthes aspera Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
- Achyranthes aspera Paste - 2-4gm or as per your requirement.
- Achyranthes aspera Powder - 2-5gm or as per your requirement.
How to use Achyranthes aspera
1. Achyranthes aspera Leaves or Root with milk or rose water
a. TakeAchyranthes aspera leaves or its root paste
b. Mix with water or milk or any cooling substance
c. Apply on affecte area once a day or thrice a week.
2. Apamarga Kshar oil
Use Apamarga Kshar oil and Kshar as per your doctor's recommendation.
a. TakeAchyranthes aspera leaves or its root paste
b. Mix with water or milk or any cooling substance
c. Apply on affecte area once a day or thrice a week.
2. Apamarga Kshar oil
Use Apamarga Kshar oil and Kshar as per your doctor's recommendation.
References
- Bakhru HK.Herbs That Heal Natural Remedies For Good Health.Orient Paperbacks.1990.
- Banerjee J, Dahal P.Phytochemical constituents and pharmacological uses of medicinal plant Achyranthes aspera.World J Pharm Pharm Sci.2014;4(1):1-21.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.