Synonyms: Achyranthis Radix, Chaff Flower, Niu His, Niu Xi, Nui Xi, Tu Niu Xi
Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus species: Achyranthes aspera, Achyranthes bidentata, Cyathula capitata, Achyranthes longifolia, Achyranthes japonica
Type: Perennial herb
Part Used: Root
Location: China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka
Actions: Analgesic, anthelmintic, antiallergic, antibacterial, antihypertensive (temporary), antispasmodic, antithrombotic, astringent, bitter, cardiotonic, carminative, circulatory stimulant, demulcent, diuretic, emmenagogue, errhine, expectorant, lithotriptic (seeds), mucilage, tonic, uterine stimulant
Indications: Abdominal pain, abscess, allergies, amenorrhea, anorexia, ascites, bronchial asthma, carbuncle, common cold, diphtheria, dysentery, dystocia, dysuria, hematuria, hemoptysis, hemorrhages, hemorrhoids, hiccups, hypertension, intestinal worms, lumbago, measles, myalgia, nosebleed, pharyngitis, pneumonia (pediatric), poor circulation, pruritus, skin disorders, sore throat, thrombosis, urethritis, urinary diseases
Chemicals & Nutrients: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium
Preparation & Dosages:
Decoction of 15-30 g, in 2-3 doses
Contraindications: Menorrhagia, nocturnal emissions, pregnancy.
Drug Interactions: Due to the diuretic action of this herb the following drug interactions are possible: increased risk of toxicity with anti-inflammatory analgesics; if hypokalemia occurs possible antagonism with antiarrhythmics and potentiation of muscle relaxants; antagonizes antidiabetic (hypoglycemic) drugs; may potentiate and/or interfere with antihypertensives; may potentiate lithium therapy; when taken with corticosteroids there is a risk for hypokalemia; may potentiate other diuretics and increase the risk of hypokalemia. Due to the cardioactive chemicals in this herb the following drug interactions are possible: interference and/or antagonism with antiarrhythmics; antagonism of beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs; potentiation of cardiac glycosides and increased risk of hypokalemia; when combined with depolarizing muscle relaxants there is a risk of arrhythmia; interference with nitrates and calcium-channel blockers; may increase the potential terfenadine has to cause arrhythmias. Due to the antihypertensive (hypotensive) action of this herb the following interactions are possible: when taken with anesthetics an increased hypotensive effect; potentiation of antihypertensives; when taken with diuretics difficulty with diuresis and hypertension may result; antagonism of sympathomimetics.
Warning: Possible contraceptive activity.