Apamarg
Department of Dravyaguna
Uttaranchal Medical College of Ayurveda & Research
Basic Details
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Botanical Name: Achyranthes aspera
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Family: Amaranthaceae
- Synonyms: Chirchitaa, Shikhari, Shaikharika, Adahshalya, Mayura, Mayuraka, Kharamanjari, Kharapushpaa, Pratyakpushpaa, Aaghaat, Vashira, Kanihi
Morphological Description
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A stiff, erect herb growing 30–90 cm in height
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Branches: Spreading
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Leaves:
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Opposite
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Velvety-tomentose
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Size: 3.8–12.5 cm × 5.1–7.6 cm
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Flowers:
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Bisexual
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Greenish-white
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Arranged in long inverted spikes (hence the name Apamarga)
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Flowering: Winter
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Fruiting: Summer
Rasa Panchaka
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Rasa (Taste): Katu, Tikta
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Guna (Qualities): Laghu, Ruksha, Tikshna
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Virya (Potency): Ushna
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Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu
Pharmacological Properties
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Kaphanashana – Breaks and expels accumulated sputum
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Arshaghna – Useful in piles/hemorrhoids
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Kandughna / Kanduhara – Relieves itching (pruritus)
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Udaraghna – Helpful in ascites
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Pachana / Ama-nashaka – Digests ama (metabolic toxins)
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Raktagrahi – Improves blood quality
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Hrut-grahi – Cardio-supportive action
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Vantikrut / Vamana – Excess dose may induce vomiting
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Deepana / Agnikrut – Enhances digestive fire
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Anilapaha – Reduces bloating, balances Vata
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Shulahara – Relieves abdominal colic pain
Therapeutic Uses
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Anti-inflammatory
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Analgesic
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Antidote
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Antiseptic
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Nasal decongestant
External Applications
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Root paste for:
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Pain relief
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Scorpion bite
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Urticaria
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Itching
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Other Uses
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Ear drops for ear disorders
Useful Part
Whole plant
Dosage
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Leaf juice: 10–15 ml
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Powder: 2–4 g
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Decoction: 50–100 ml
Important Preparations
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Apamarga Kshara Taila
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Sikhari Ghrita
