We depend on donations from users of our database of over 8000 edible and useful plants to keep making it available free of charge and to further extend and improve it. In recent months donations are down, and we are spending more than we receive. Please give what you can to keep PFAF properly funded. More >>>

Follow Us:

 

Achyranthes aspera - L.

Common Name Devil's Horsewhip
Family Amaranthaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Open dry places at elevations up to 2000 metres in Nepal[272]. More or less naturalized as a weed in waste ground in southern Europe[50].
Range E. Asia - Himalayas to Australia.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Achyranthes aspera Devil


http://www.biolib.de/
Achyranthes aspera Devil
http://www.biolib.de/

 

Translate this page:

Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Achyranthes aspera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Seed
Edible Uses:

Leaves - cooked[144, 177]. Used as a spinach substitute[179]. Seed - cooked[144, 177]. The seeds are said to be eaten with milk in order to check hunger without loss of body weight[272]. The brown oviod seed is about 2mm long[266].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antispasmodic  Astringent  Cholera  Diuretic  Dysentery  Odontalgic

One of the more important mdicinal herbs of Nepal, it is widely used in the treatment of a range of complaints. Ophthalmic[152]. The whole plant is used medicinally, but the roots are generally considered to be more effective[283]. They contain triterpenoid saponins[283]. The root is astringent, diuretic and antispasmodic[152, 178, 272]. It is used in the treatment of dropsy, rheumatism, stomach problems, cholera, skin diseases and rabies[152, 272]. The juice extracted from the root of this plant, mixed with the root of Urena lobata and the bark of Psidium guajava, is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery[272]. The plant is astringent, digestive, diuretic, laxative, purgative and stomachic[272]. The juice of the plant is used in the treatment of boils, diarrhoea, dysentery, haemorrhoids, rheumatic pains, itches and skin eruptions[272]. The ash from the burnt plant, often mixed with mustard oil and a pinch of salt, is used as a tooth powder for cleaning teeth[272]. It is believed to relieve pyorrhea and toothache[272]. The leaf is emetic and a decoction is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery[272]. A paste of the leaves is applied in the treatment of rabies, nervous disorders, hysteria, insect and snake bites[272].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

Now available: PLANTS FOR YOUR FOOD FOREST: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens.

An important new book from PFAF. It focuses on the attributes of plants suitable for food forests, what each can contribute to a food forest ecosystem, including carbon sequestration, and the kinds of foods they yield. The book suggests that community and small-scale food forests can provide a real alternative to intensive industrialised agriculture, and help to combat the many inter-related environmental crises that threaten the very future of life on Earth.

Read More

FOOD FOREST PLANTS

Other Uses

Soap  Teeth

The ash from the burnt plant, often mixed with mustard oil and a pinch of salt, is used as a tooth powder for cleaning teeth[272]. The dried twigs are used as toothbrushes[272]. The ash of the burnt plant is a rich source of potash. It is used for washing clothes[272].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Cultivated as a food crop in China[179]. A very variable species[266]. See also [240] and [50].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

image

The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

Shop Now

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Achyranthes bidentataNiu XiPerennial0.8 7-10  LMSNM231
Achyranthes faureri Perennial0.9 -  LMSNM111
Achyranthes japonicaJapanese Chaff FlowerPerennial1.0 -  LMSNM031

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Print Friendly and PDF

Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

50265266

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Victor   Mon May 8 2006

Is this the same herb that is called: Rough Chaff Tree, Prickly Chaff Flower, Apamarga, Apamara, Adharajhada, Aghada, Aghata, Antisha, Apamarga, Apamargamu, Apang, Atkumah, Chirchira, Duk.-Agari, Kadaladi, Katalati, Kharamanjari, Khare-vazhun, Kune-la- mon, Kutri, Latjira, Nayuruvi, Pan- dhara-aghada, Safed hedo, Shiru-kidaladi, Uttaraene and Uttaranee, which is found all over India? If so, there is a danger of spontaneous Abortion associated with its use by pregnant women.

Holostics Online Much information concerning this plants holostic uses.

Patel Nilesh J.   Wed Feb 21 2007

I s there any scientific proof about anti-diabetic activity of Achyranthes aspera

Ken Fern, Plants for a Future   Wed Feb 21 2007

Currently, we have seen no information that this plant could be beneficial in the treatment of diabetes.

senthilkumarrp   Fri Aug 10 2007

this medicin cure for kidney stone explain brefley

Umar Kabiru Jega   Mon Aug 20 2007

The plant is called Kiban kadangaru in Hausa lang. (Nigeria). It is used in the treatment of nemonia in children.

Dr. neeta raj   Fri May 16 2008

I wish to handle a research project on the same. suggest what are the thirst area with this plant

Jay Cee Marshall   Tue Jun 10 2008

Where can I buy the tea leaves for this Achyranthes apera - L. I heard about this on KBS World Television Station. They suggested washing well, soak for 24 hours and boil. Do you have any more suggestions for proper use. They also said that this tea is good for people in their 50's, and helps to lower body obesity.

Gretchen   Sat Aug 2 2008

I took a test on an QXCI machine and it suggested this herb. My practitioner doesn't know anything about this herb to tell me what dosage I would need to use. She uses a lot of other things but has not studied this one. Could anyone help me? brighteyes Saturday, Aug.2, 2008

douglas blanchard   Thu Feb 26 2009

hello i would like to order a devils horsewip plant and a clove plant and a firebush plant

david   Fri Feb 27 2009

This site only provides information on plants, doesn't supply the plants themselves.

Samuel Tuffa   Wed Apr 8 2009

Is Achyranthes aspera - L.legume plant?

Jivraj V. Joshi   Thu Jun 11 2009

In Sanskrit language it calls "APAMRJAN" means cleaner of internal system & & in Gujarati language marjan means Manjavu/ Ujadu karvu all meanings are to cle aning upto brightoning. and thatis why it is one of the best medicine to clean the Body & be healthy

dr akhilesh kumar   Thu Jun 18 2009

this is very important plant in traditional indian medicine and ayurveda

abdhesh kumar   Thu Jul 23 2009

have any hepato-protective R&D work done with achyranthus aspera leaf extract. pl. give this information in my e- mail. thank u

namrata   Fri Sep 11 2009

have any hepato-protective R&D work done with achyranthus aspera leaf extract. pl. give this information in my e- mail. thank u

sanjay   Fri Sep 25 2009

can i use achyranthes aspera for weight loss

MANDAR R ZAMBARE   Sat Oct 24 2009

SIRBUT THERE IS A PROOF FOR ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY BUT THE RESEARCH PAPER NEED TO BE PURCHASED AND I ALSO WANT THE COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE SAME PLANT

Bhosale manju   Tue Nov 10 2009

Bhosale Manju Nov 11 2009 Compost prepare from Biomass of Achyranthus is very good for increasing the quantity and quality of the Crop plat. It also increase the quantity of Reducing Sugar in your crop.Plz HALP TO CONSERVE THE NATURE.avoid Chemical fertilizar

Bhosale manju   Tue Nov 10 2009

Compost prepare from Biomass of Achyranthus is very good for increase the quantity and quality of the Crop plat. It also increase the quantity of Reducing Sugar in your crop.Plz HALP TO CONSERVE THE NATURE.avoid Chemical fertilizar

chanda   Wed Dec 9 2009

Which compound of A aspera is kill the microorganism ?

chanda   Wed Dec 9 2009

Which compound of A aspera is kill the microorganism ?

lokesh kumar   Mon Dec 14 2009

compilation

Add a comment

If you have important information about this plant that may help other users please add a comment or link below. Only comments or links that are felt to be directly relevant to a plant will be included. If you think a comment/link or information contained on this page is inaccurate or misleading we would welcome your feedback at [email protected]. If you have questions about a plant please use the Forum on this website as we do not have the resources to answer questions ourselves.

* Please note: the comments by website users are not necessarily those held by PFAF and may give misleading or inaccurate information.

To leave a comment please Register or login here All comments need to be approved so will not appear immediately.

Subject : Achyranthes aspera  
© 2010, Plants For A Future. Plants For A Future is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales. Charity No. 1057719, Company No. 3204567.