Actiniopteris, Mayurashikhaa

Peacock’s Tail
Mayurashikha, Sahastrahi (Ayurveda)

Actiniopteris radiata
L. van Houtte, Flore des serres et des jardin de l’Europe (1845)

Botanical name:

Actiniopteris radiata (syn. A. dichotoma, A. australia)

Parts used:

Root; according to some sources, the whole plant is used.

Temperature & Taste:

Cool, dry.

Uses:

1. Benefits Fertility, Astringes Essence:
-promotes conception; used for infertility
-classically regarded as promoting conception of a male child

2. Clears Phlegm, Stops Cough:
-Cough, Bronchitis, Asthma

3. Stops Leakage and Bleeding:
-diarrhea, dysentery
-has been used for Bleeding

4. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine
-Dysuria
-Gravel, Stones

5. Clears Heat and Toxin:
-Infected Wounds and Ulcers (int. & ext.)
-Erysipelas (int. & ext.)

Dose:

The root has been taken with milk to promote conception.
3–5 grams
Standard Decoction (1 in 10) is taken in doses of 10–20mls. (Ayurveda)

Substitutes:

1. Actiniopteris is used as a substitute for Maidenhair (Adiantum) in India, the latter may be used as a substitute.
2. Actiniopteris is also used as a substitute for the unidentified Lakshmanaa of Ayurvedic texts.
3. Reportedly, the ornamental tip of a Peacock’s feather has been used in place of Actiniopteris. (Khare)