Apamarga
Common Name: Prickly Chaff, Chirchita, Latjira, Devil‰Ûªs Horsewhip
Botanical Name: Achyranthes aspera
Active Agents: Betaine and Achyranthine are the main alkaloids. Seeds have Achyranthes saponin A and its ester, Aschyranthes saponin B. Ecdysterone is also stated to be present. Shoots contain an essential oil, tannins and glycosides.
Uses of Apamarga
Leucorrhoea: Fresh leaf extract mixed with a little curd can be consumed before sunrise.
Snake Bite: Apamarga can be applied onto the skin in case of snake bite.
Diarrhea and Dysentery: A decoction of powdered leaves with honey or sugar candy can provide relief in the early stages.
Fevers: Grind fresh leaves into a paste. Mix it with jaggery or black pepper and garlic. Form it into pills. This is especially helpful in quartan fevers.
Ear Pain, Infection in Ear: Place freshly pressed apamarga juice into the ear to cure pain and infections.
Kidney Problem, Pneumonia: Take apamarga (5 gm) in water (200 ml) till volume reduces to 50 ml, filter and drink.