Achyranthes aspera

Species: Achyranthes aspera

English Name: Common Achyranthes

Chinese Name: 土牛膝

Family: Amaranthaceae

Description:
Herbs perennial, 20-120 cm tall. Stem tetragonal, pubescent with nodes slightly inflated. Its branches are opposite, with petioled, ovoid or obovate leaves. Flowers are arranged in a spike, erect upwards before flowering.

It can be found growing on wastelands, roadside and near villages.

Preparation: Whole plant is used. It can be collected in summer and autumn, well washed, chopped and sun-dried.

Properties: Slightly bitter in taste, cool in nature.

Actions and Indications: Clears heat, relieves exterior syndrome, promotes diuresis. Indicated for common cold marked by fever; tonsillitis, mumps, rheumatic arthritis, traumatic injury, etc.

Photos used under a Creative Commons license

References:

– Wu ZY, Raven PH, Hong DY (eds) (2003). Flora of China, Volume 5: Ulmaceae through Basellaceae. Science Press, Beijing, and Missouri Bot Garden Press, St. Louis

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