Apamarga (white), Vasira (red) and Ramatha (blue?). The reference about ‘Gouradanda Apamarga’ by Vagbhata(A.H.Sa. 1/39) indicates towards another variety of Apamarga in the Samhitas.
Thakur Balvant Singh quotes that the “later Nighantu writers mention white (Sveta) and red (Rakta) varieties and one of them is said to have round grains (Vrittaphala). Vagbhata mentioned Gauradanda Apamarga (a variety with white stems) in Pumsavana”. The second variety is identified with Pupalia lappacea Moq.
- bidentata Blume is another species belonging to the genus Achyranthus which is in vogue for its medicinal value should should be the Rakta Apamarga.
Botanical Description – Perennial growing to 0.75m by 0.4m . It is hardy to zone 8. It is in flower from August to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). We rate it 1 out of 5 for usefulness. The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. The plant prefers acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.
Part used – Leaves; & Seed.
Seeds – cooked. A good substitute for cereal grains in bread-making; they have often been used for this purpose in famine years. Leaves – cooked. Used as a vegetable in the same manner as spinach.
Medicinal Uses –
Anodyne; Antirheumatic; Bitter; Digestive; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Vasodilator.
The roots, leaves and stems are widely used in Chinese herbal medicine. They are anodyne, antirheumatic, bitter, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue and vasodilator. They act predominantly on the lower half of the body and are used in the treatment of aching back and knees and asthenia of the lower limbs. Research suggests that they can cause dilation of the cervix and so this herb should not be used when pregnant.
The herb is taken internally to treat hypertension, back pain, urine in the blood, menstrual pain, bleeding etc.
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