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Prickly Chaff Flower (Chirchita / Apamarga)
Achyranthes aspera
ଅପାମାର୍ଗ (Apamarga)चिरचिटा (Chirchita) / लटजीरा (Latjira)Apamarga
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Origin
- Tropical Asia & Africa
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Habitat
- Outdoor
About the Plant
Stiff erect annual herb with quadrangular striate stems; opposite obovate papery leaves, and long terminal spikes of sharply reflexed greenish flowers with spiny bracts.
Traditional Uses
Kidney stones, hemorrhoids, colic, dental caries, bronchial asthma, and ascites
Parts Used
Whole plant, roots, seeds
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Katu, Tikta
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Sara, Teekshna
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Health Benefits
- Dissolves urinary calculi, stimulates peristalsis, and treats piles and skin growths
Precautions
Excessive oral dosage can cause severe vomiting and nausea; contraindicated in pregnancy
Interesting Facts
Possesses sharp backward-pointing spiny bracts that cling to passing animal fur to disperse seeds