Prickly Chaff Flower

Achyranthes Aspera or Prickly Chaff Flower is a herbaceous plant which grows in fields and waste lands to a height of about one metre. It is quite easily identified when fully mature with the 50 cms long spikes bearing several very small greenish- white flowers which stand upright. If one should carelessly walk through a field, the spines with the seeds are sure to stick on to the clothes- a good method of seed dispersal. The few leaves are elliptic or obovate but usually round.

MEDICINAL USE:

* A laxative.
* Strengthens and gives tone to the stomach.
* Assists in expelling gases, flatulence and griping pains from the stomach and bowels.

* Improves appetite.
* Bronchitis, piles, itching.
* Indigestion, discomfort, or pain.
* Promotes the flow of urine.
* Asthma and cough.
* As an antiperiodic in preventing the return of such diseases which recur, like malaria.

HOW TO USE:

The decoction or infusion of the leaves, seeds and roots may be used to take care of all the ailments mentioned in Medicinal Use.

PARTS USED:

The leaves, seeds and roots.