CUTTING KADALADI PLANT (ACHYRANTHES ASPERA) IN TO SIZE..
IT'S A WELLKNOWN MEDICINAL
PLANT IN INDIA,ESPECIALLY KERALA. IT IS ALSO USED FOR HOMAM ( POOJA) IN A BIG WAY.
HERE IAM CUTTING IT IN A PARTICULAR SIZE FOR HOMAM PURPOSE. HOMAM IS A FIRE RITUAL
PERFOMED IN SPECIAL OCCASIONS AT HOME BY OWNER TO GET RIDOFF CERTAIN
NEGATIVITIES..AND TO GET PEACE...SUDARSHANA HOMAM IS VERY FAMOUS IN THIS SENSE...
IAM LUCKY TO GET A CHANCE TO CUT KADALADI FOR HOMAM...THE TRADITIONAL WAY OF
CUTTING IT IS WITH FULL DEVOTION...
Achyranthes aspera, commonly known as the Prickly Chaff Flower or Kadaladi in
Malayalam, is a robust, many-branched herb that can reach heights of 6 to 7 feet.
The plant is distinguished by its quadrangular stems, which are sharp-pointed and
woody.
The leaves are simple and hairy, with a green upper surface and a yellowish
underside.
The plant is recognized for its medicinal properties and is a significant component
in Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems of medicine.
It is particularly used in the treatment of digestive disorders, respiratory
ailments, and skin diseases.
The seeds, roots, leaves, and flowers are all utilized in various remedies.
Habitat
Achyranthes aspera is commonly found across tropical and subtropical regions,
including India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands.
In India, it grows abundantly in states such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and
Maharashtra, often found in open fields, along roadsides, in waste grounds, and
agricultural lands.
The plant thrives in sandy or rocky soils, often in areas with well-drained
conditions, and is frequently found at elevations up to 2,000 meters.
Nutritional Prowess
Although not consumed as food, Achyranthes aspera is rich in bioactive compounds
like alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids, known for anti-inflammatory, analgesic,
expectorant, and antioxidant properties.
It is used in traditional medicine to treat ailments like dysentery, asthma, and
hypertension.
Dermatological Perks
Achyranthes aspera is highly valued for its benefits to skin health.
The leaves, when crushed and applied as a poultice, treat boils, ulcers, and
wounds, while the roots are used for insect bites and stings.
The seeds are used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
The plant’s extracts help reduce scarring and promote healing of cuts and bruises.
The plant’s antimicrobial properties make it effective in preventing skin
infections.
Overview
Achyranthes Aspera is an erect, many-branched, spreading, and quadrangular herb
that can live for several years, reaching a height of 6 to 7 feet. Commonly known
as chaff flower, prickly chaff flower, and devil’s horsewhip.
The plant’s roots, seeds, leaves, flowers, and fruits have been used for medicinal
purpose; 21 leaves of Achyranthes Aspera are regularly used in Ganesh Patra pooja
on Ganesh Chaturthi.
The leaves are simple, hairy, and short-stalked, with two colors- yellowish below
and green above. They are situated opposite each other on a sharp-pointed woody
stem, measuring 8 to 10 cm long and 7 to 8 cm wide, with a broad base and a pointed
tip like an egg.
Achyranthes Aspera produces small green/yellowish-white flowers that form narrow,
long spikes, growing up to 60 cm long.
Habitat
Achyranthes Aspera is mainly found in tropical Asian, African, and warmer regions,
including Australia and America, Ceylon, and Baluchistan. In India, it
predominantly grows as a weed on roadsides.
Phytochemistry
Achyranthes Aspera contains various major classes of compounds, including fatty
acids, D-glucuronic, betaine, oleanolic acid, triacontanol, spathulenol, alkaloids,
achyranthine, different amino acids, ecdysterone, oleonic acid, bisdesmosidic
triterpenoid-based saponins, spinasterol, dihydroxy ketones, and n-hexacos-14-
Nutritional Prowess
All parts (seeds, roots, leaves) of Achyranthes Asperah have been used both
traditionally and medicinally; it has a strong, unpleasant smell when used
externally or internally.
Achyranthes Aspera possesses expectorant, stomach tonic, laxative, anthelmintic,
diuretic, lithotriptic, sudorific, demulcent, anti-inflammatory, anticataract,
antifungal, antibacterial, hypoglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, antiperiodic,
antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, and anti-allergic properties that aid in treating
various health issues.
Achyranthes Aspera supplements can help remove excess body fat by preventing
accumulation in the abdomen and gluteal regions, helping control body weight.
Achyranthes Aspera juice, with its ropan (astringent)and anti-inflammatory
properties, is used in ulcers/wounds for faster healing.
Achyranthes Aspera root paste and juice help alleviate pain, reduce itching, and
treat skin rashes caused by insect bites and urticaria when applied topically.
Daily consumption of Achyranthes Aspera supplement powder with honey improves
digestion.
Achyranthes Aspera has excellent digestive and appetizing properties, aiding
digestion to maintain overall body health.
In Ayurveda, a unique medicine called Apamarga ash is very effective externally for
fistula and fissure.
Achyranthes Aspera oil is predominantly used to expel excessive phlegm from the
body and provides relief from cough.
Achyranthes Aspera’s purgative quality softens stool, lowering the risk of
constipation, piles, fistula, and fissures.
When taken orally, Achyranthes Aspera breaks down calcium oxalate calculi with its
Tikshna property, expelling them through increased urine output (diuretic).
Achyranthes Aspera, rich in potassium, keeps the heart healthy.
