Birch-leaved acalypha

The scientific name of Birch-leaved acalypha: is Acalypha fruticosa Forssk.

Other names: Acalypha betulina Retz., Acalypha amentcea Roxb

Family: Euphorbiaceae.

Name of Birch-leaved acalypha in different languages:-

English: Birch leaved acalypha

Hindi: Cinni

Sanskrit: Cinni

Malayalam: Balamunja-ബാലമുഞ്ഞ, Chinnichedi-ചിന്നിചെടി

Tamil: Sinni

Plant description of Birch-leaved acalypha

It is a deciduous shrub, erect, and branched; grows up to 2.4 m high, habitat- Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The leaves are arranged alternately oblong to ovate, more or less round or sub-acute, and almost 5-nerved at the base, toothed margin, on a slender glabrescent petiole 1.3-2.5 cm long, apex acuminate to acute or rarely blunt while young, 2.5-5.0 cm long, membranous, roughish above, softly puberulous beneath. Flowers are minute, greenish, clustered, sessile, forming slender, sessile spikes arising singly or by 2 to 3 from above the scars of the fallen leaves, the females at the very base of the spike or in separate small cluster-like few-flowered spikes in the axis of the young leaves.

Propagation:  Stem cuttings

Useful plant parts:

Leaves, root

Medicinal uses:

Prescribed for digestive disorders, dyspepsia, colic, and diarrhea. Leaves are agreeable stomachic in dyspepsia and other ailments, in the treatments of skin diseases, wounds, and poisonous bites.

Ayurveda uses Birch-leaved acalypha

Birch-leaved Acalypha, known in Ayurveda as “Harsingar” or “Harshingar,” is used for its medicinal properties. It’s believed to have benefits for treating various health conditions:

1. Fever and Inflammation: The leaves are used to reduce fever and inflammation.
2. Skin Disorders: It is applied topically to treat skin conditions like itching, rashes, and eczema.
3. Digestive Issues: The plant is used to alleviate digestive problems and improve appetite.
4. Respiratory Conditions: It’s believed to be effective against respiratory issues like cough and cold.
5. Menstrual Disorders: Harsingar is used to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate associated discomfort.
6. Arthritis and Joint Pain: It’s used for its anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial for arthritis and joint pain.
7. Liver Disorders: Some practitioners use it to support liver function and address related issues.
8. Hypertension: It’s believed to have properties that can help regulate blood pressure levels.

Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or Ayurvedic expert before using any herbal remedies for medical purposes.

Chemical content:

Alkaloids, triterpenoids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids and saponins,

Medicinal properties:

Anti-microbial, Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Stomachic