Apamarga

(Prickly-Chaff Flower)
Sanskrit: अपामार्ग • Botanical: Achyranthes aspera Linn.

Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera) is a very common weed found throughout India. It is easily identified by its prickly chaff-like flowers that stick to clothes. The whole plant, especially the root and seeds (Kshara), is used medicinally. It is described as pungent, bitter, light, dry, sharp, and hot in potency. The text emphasizes its use in hemorrhoids (Arsha), digestive disorders, worm infestations, urinary disorders, and blood impurities. The seeds (Apamarga Kshara) are especially used for urinary calculi. It is also useful in treating snake bites and scorpion stings. The plant has two varieties - white (Shweta) and red (Rakta). Used externally for toothache and dental problems. Dose: powder 1-2 masha; decoction 1-2 tola. Verse refs: pages 414-416.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha), Sharp (Tikshna)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Saponins, alkaloids, oleanolic acid
Also Known As
English: Prickly-Chaff Flower, Devil's Horsewhip
Sanskrit: अपामार्ग, शिखरी, प्रत्यक्पर्णी, मयूरक, मर्कटी, दुर्ग्रह, किणिही, खरमञ्जरी, अधःशल्या
Hindi: चिरचिटा, लटजीरा, ओंगा

What is Apamarga (Prickly-Chaff Flower / अपामार्ग)?

Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera) is a very common weed found throughout India. It is easily identified by its prickly chaff-like flowers that stick to clothes. The whole plant, especially the root and seeds (Kshara), is used medicinally. It is described as pungent, bitter, light, dry, sharp, and hot in potency. The text emphasizes its use in hemorrhoids (Arsha), digestive disorders, worm infestations, urinary disorders, and blood impurities. The seeds (Apamarga Kshara) are especially used for urinary calculi. It is also useful in treating snake bites and scorpion stings. The plant has two varieties - white (Shweta) and red (Rakta). Used externally for toothache and dental problems. Dose: powder 1-2 masha; decoction 1-2 tola. Verse refs: pages 414-416.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (kindles digestive fire)
  • Pachana (digestive)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
  • Vatahara (alleviates Vata)
  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)
  • Arshohara (beneficial in hemorrhoids)
  • Muthrajanana (diuretic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Apamarga by Condition

Explore how Apamarga is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Apamarga for Male Sexual Health

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.