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Achyranthes/Niu Xi

Author: Cathy Baker - Reseach Assistant/University of Guelph; Jan Schooley - Ginseng and Medicinal Herb Specialist/OMAF
Creation Date: 01 January 2003
Last Reviewed: 01 January 2003

Achyranthes bidentata
Family: Amaranthaceae

Common names: two-toothed amaranthus, oxknee

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Description

Achyranthes is an erect perennial with slender rambling branches, elliptical leaves, and greenish white flowers on terminal spikes. Grows up to 1m tall.

Typical oxknee plants

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Origin

China: This is an important Chinese herb. The seeds of A.bidentata are a good substitute for cereal grains used in bread making and have been used as this during the Indian famine. Contains triterpenoid saponins.

Uses of Achyranthes and claims

  • Culinary: leafy shoots are edible

  • Medicinal: used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate menstruation, ease menstrual pain,relieve lower back pain, canker sores, toothache, bleeding gums, nosebleeds

  • Industrial: none

Culture

  • Propagation: can be by seed or by root cuttings. Although the latter is the easier method.
  • Cultivation: Perennial. Space plants 25 cm apart.
  • Soil Type: Well drained soil and partial shade.
  • Harvest: The root is dug in the fall/winter when the foliage dies back. The leaves and the stems are harvested in the summer.


Sources

  • Chevallier, A. 1996. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Reader's Digest Association.
  • Bown, D. 1995. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. RD Press.
  • Jacobs, B. 1981. Growing & Using Herbs successfully. Pownal.

Thanks to

This demonstration garden was a result of the efforts of Dr. Alan McKeown, Vegetable Scientist, University of Guelph and was made possible with grants from the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the Tobacco Diversification Program.

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