“Apamarga” or Achyranthus aspera or Chirachiri or Prickly chaff tree is a plant known to many which grows around our surrounding as a weed. The name “Apamarga ‘’ refers to the way it blocks the way for passers-by. This weed is widely distributed in India and tropical environments with versatile therapeutic properties. The plant is known as Apamarga for its notable spores which stick to clothing and are challenging to remove due to their pointed spicules. These spores, which develop to cover the entire plant stalk from the outside, serve as a shield of protection for it. According to Vedic Literature this drug is considered as the “Lord of all drugs” due to its efficacy in treating a wide range of diseases. They were used in Havans because of its antibacterial property. Moreover, according to Ancient Vedic Manuscript, Apamarga can boost willpower and control the minds of those who use it. It is one of the eight Ksharas (alkali) which are used as Ayurvedic medicinal formulations.
This wonder drug exhibits immunomodulatory activity, wound healing activity, anti-allergic activity, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, nephroprotective activity, analgesic activity, antipyretic activity, antiparasitic activity, spermicidal activity, hypoglycemic activity, diuretic activity & cardioprotective activity. The whole plant can be used for medicinal purposes.
- In the case of Diarrhoea, Apamarga root powder is taken along with warm water.
- In skin ailments, seeds of radish and fresh juice of Apamarga are made to paste and applied externally.
- Crushed plant of the drug is boiled in water and is used internally for pneumonia.
- The juice of Apamarga is painted on gums in case of toothache.
- The root of Apamarga and Piper nigrum (Pepper) is used in snake poison.
- Repeated administration of Apamarga roots grinded in honey and given with rice water can be useful in piles. The paste of seed applied externally can heal Bleeding piles.
- In kidney stones, Apamarga kshara (alkali) is used with sheep milk.
- The collyrium (Kajal) prepared with flowers of Apamarga is useful in eyelid disease.
- Decoction of powdered leaves with honey or sugar candy is useful in the early stages of diarrhoea and dysentery. Infusion of the root is a mild astringent in bowel complaints. The flowering spikes or seeds, ground and made into a paste with water, are used as an external application for bites of poisonous snakes and reptiles.