Apamarg ( Achyranthes aspera)
Nature is a treasure trove of healing herbs, and one such gem is the Apamarg herb (Achyranthes aspera). Known for its exceptional medicinal properties, Apamarg kshar has been a cornerstone in Ayurvedic practices for centuries. This humble plant, often found in rural areas and along roadsides, carries immense therapeutic potential. In this blog, we will explore its uses, vernacular names, and simple home remedies.
Vernacular Names
Apamarg is known by different names in various languages, reflecting its widespread use:
Hindi: चिरचिटा Chirchita
Sanskrit: अपामार्ग Apamarga
Tamil: Nayuriveli
Telugu: Uttareni
Malayalam: Kadaladi
Kannada: Uttareni
Bengali: Apang
Marathi: Parasani
Gujarati: ओंघळो Onghalo
Latin Name : Achyranthis Aspera
Apamarg Ayurvedic Description
Apamarg is a hardy, perennial herb belonging to the Amaranthaceae family. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and is commonly seen as a weed. Despite its modest appearance, it is revered in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani for its wide range of healing properties.
Its medicinal significance lies in its ability to balance all three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – making it a versatile herb for various ailments. The entire plant, including its roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers, can be utilized for therapeutic purposes.
Ras ( Taste)
- Katu Ras ( Pungent )
- Tikta (Bitter)
Virya (Potency):
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect):
- Katu ( undergoes pungent taste after digestion)
Guna (Qualities):
- Laghu(Heavy)
- Rooksha (Unctuous)
- Tikshna ( Strong , Sharp)
Benefits of Apamarg (Achyranthes aspera)
Digestive Health
Acts as a natural laxative, aiding in relieving constipation.
Helps in improving appetite and digestion.
Effective in expelling intestinal worms.
Skin Disorder
It’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties make it useful for treating skin infections, boils, and wounds.
Helps in reducing acne and blemishes when applied as a paste.
Urinary Health
Apamarg is a diuretic, aiding in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones.
Respiratory Issues
Useful in managing asthma, cough, and bronchitis due to its expectorant properties.
Gynecological Health
Helpful in managing asthma, cough, and bronchitis due to its expectorant properties.
Dental Care
Apamarg’s stems have been used as natural toothbrushes to promote oral health and combat bad breath.
Medicinal Qualities of Apamarg kshar
Kaphanashan : helps in liquifying the bulgam ( cough), and assist in expulsion.
Arshaghan : It helsps in relieving piles mass and pain.
Kandhuhar : Useful in case of severe ithcing. In Ayurveda itching is related to aggravation of kapha dosha. Beign a good kaphahar apamarg is effective in severe itching.
Udaraghan : It is very helpful in all the diseases related to adbomen( udar) especially Ascites.
Pachan : Digest all the toxins ( Ama) and helps in digestion process.
Deepan : This means one which improve Agni ( digestive fire).
Adhamanhar : relieves bloating ,gases in the abdomen.
Hrudruja: Useful in cardiac disorder and deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessels.
Rochana : Improves taste relieves anorexia.
Apamarg Kshar
Kshar is a special form of medicine that are used in Ayurveda .This are found very effective in many diseases.
Apamarg is one herb whos kshar is prepared.
Apamarg kshar is prepared using whole apamarg plant that is root, leaves, branches. This kshar is Tiksha ( strong and peircing)
This Kshar is helpful in balanacing Kapha dosha .
Useful in diseases like Shwas Rog (Asthma), Arsh( Piles), Abdomen pain ( Tuberclosis) and gulma ( fibroids).
How to use Apamarg
- Parts used : Roots, leaf, whole plant and Kshar
- Dosage
- Fresh Juice : 5 to 10 ml in divided doses.
- Kshar : 0.5 to 2 gms two to three times a day
Cautions And Contraindications
While Apamarg is generally safe, excessive consumption may cause:
- Vommiting.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Men undergoing treatment for infertility should avoid consuming Apamarg.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina.
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Apamarg take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly shatavari work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been adviced with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Home Remedies of Apamarg
Asthma : 0.5 gms to 1 gms of Apamrg kshar with 1 teaspoon of honey is helpful in clearing the airways by expelling the vitiated kapha dosha .
Hearing loss : Apamarg kshar 0.5 gms and mix it in seasame oil. Putting this oil in ears is useful in helping hearing loss.
For Leucoderma ( Vitiligo) : Appyling Apamarg churna by mixing it with cow’s urine in used in production of bhrajak pitta ( melonin hormone)
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Apamarg
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is main ingriedients in following medicines
Gorochandi Gulika : Used in diseases such as Asthma, Pnuemonia,Bronchitis and Cough.
Jyotishmati oil: Helpful in treatment of vitiligo.
Conclusion
Apamarg (Achyranthes aspera) is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, revered for its rejuvenative and balancing properties. Whether for reproductive health, stress relief, or overall vitality, Apamarg continues to be a trusted herb for promoting health and well-being in a natural and holistic way.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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