A plant record

Devil's horsewhip (Ke rat)

Achyranthes aspera

EnglishDevil's horsewhip

KreyòlKe rat

FrançaisHerbe à cent nœuds

BotanicalAchyranthes aspera

Devil's horsewhip (Ke rat) — Achyranthes aspera, used in Haitian and Caribbean herbal tradition

Traditionally used

Febrifuge: whole plant infused and taken orally for fever. Topical: bruised leaves mixed with clairin applied as abdominal compress.

In three languages

Kreyòl — Febrifig: plante antye bouyi nan dlo, bwè pou fèv. Topik: fèy pile ak kleren aplike sou vant kòm konprès.

Français — Fébrifuge : plante entière en infusion, voie orale. Topique : feuilles pilées mélangées à du clairin, en compresses abdominales.

Safety

Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.

Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.

Kept alongside

LicoricePineapplePeacock flowerCalotropePapayaRingworm senna

More on Haitian plant medicine