Herb: Japanese Chaff Flower


Latin name: Achyranthes japonica


Family: Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family, Pigweed Family)



Medicinal use of Japanese Chaff Flower:

The root of the plant is used in Korea to treat oedema, rheumatism, delayed menses and as a contraceptive and abortifacient. The root contains triterpenoid saponins and has been shown to have analgesic, antiallergic, antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, hypotensive and uterine stimulant properties. In addition, it contains protocatechuic acid, which has antioxidant properties, and also inhibits the aggregation of platelets.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Woody areas in lowlands and hills.

Other uses of Japanese Chaff Flower:

Two insect-moulting hormones are found in the seeds. Can this have a practical application as an insecticide?

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow late spring in a greenhouse. Germination should be fairly rapid, prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle. It is probably wise to grow this plant on in the greenhouse for its first winter, planting it out into its permanent position in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation of Japanese Chaff Flower:

Woody areas in lowlands and hills.

Known hazards of Achyranthes japonica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.