ACALYPHA INDICA [Indian Nettle/ Indian Copper leaf]
Tam: ‘Kuppaimaeni’ ‘Kupikhokli or Khokali (Hindi)], Kuppinta or Muripinda (Telugu)], Kuppigida (Kannada)], and Kuppameni (Malayalam)
A well-known weed of
nearly all wastelands and is a domestic rem3edy for several minor injuries,
swellings, ulcers and so on. The plant is a short herb growing to about 1.5 -2
feet rich green all over [stem, leaves and floral axes].
Villagers use the leaf
as an external paste, ground well alone or with turmeric powder or with both
turmeric powder and salt. The last of the items suggested is said to be
effective against fungal infections of the skin.
Curiously, domestic
cats are attracted by the roots of the plant and in Malayalam the plant is also
called ‘puchamayakki’ which means
mesmerizes the cat [cat mesmerizer].
In Tamil society Acalypha indica is widely used in Siddha
medicine. In parts of South India, the fresh leaves are used as vegetable [but
caution is advised as the plant is known to have some alkaloids injurious to
healt]h. However, use of the plant paste or extract for treating wounds by
external application is widely known. Glycosides, Tannins and Sitosterols are
known in Acalypha and so, their
influence over human physiology requires deeper understanding. Till such time,
it is advisable not to venture ‘consumption’ of Acalypha derivatives.
In short Acalypha indica is a well-known home
remedy for skin ailments, scabies or other dermatological disorders more as
external medicine. The plant is an excellent sample for symmetric arrangement
of leaves and every leaf receives ample sunlight, as no leaf casts its shadow
on any other leaf. It is a delight to watch the leaf arrangement from above to
enjoy how nature is a ‘master designer’ in plant architecture.
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