Medicinal Plants : Amaranthus cruentus

Name

Amaranth

Biological Name

Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Amaranthus cruentus

Other Names

Amaranth, Hsien, lady bleeding, lovely bleeding, pilewort, prince's feather, red cockscomb, spleen amaranth

Description

Amaranth is a fruit that comes from the same family as the edible weed, lamb's quarter. It looks like sesame seed. It has a pleasant, nutty flavor and can be popped like corn or steamed or flattened into a flake

Parts Used

seeds and leaves

History

It is believed that amaranth was brought to America by those first migrants from the Tower of Babel, who have traveled eastward across China and launched their barges on the Pacific, eventually reaching Mexico around 2000 B.C. Chinese had been using this herb for centuries as a remedy for profuse menstruation.

Remedies For

As An Astringent

Amaranth seed and leaves have been used effectively as an astringent for stopping diarrhea, bloody stools and urine, and excessive menstruation. It is an excellent wash for skin problems such as acne and eczema to psoriasis and hives. It is used as a douche for vaginal discharges; as a mouthwash for sore mouths, gums, teeth and throat and as an enema for colon inflammation and rectal sores.

Dosage

Make an amaranth tea as follows. Bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil, add 2 tsp of seeds. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat and add 1 tsp of leaves, if available or let it steep for 30 minutes. Drink 2 cups of this tea daily for internal problems.

Safety

Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.