The efficacy and function of Amaranth

Amaranth is a kind of traditional Chinese medicinal material with very wide effects. We can use amaranth in many places. Amaranth also plays a very important role in the treatment and relief of many diseases. Now let us learn about amaranth.

[Other names] Amaranth (Li Dangzhi's "Medical Records"), Green Amaranth (Hunan Materia Medica).

[Source] The stems and leaves of Amaranth , a plant of the Amaranthaceae family. Harvested in spring and summer.

[Original morphology] Annual herb with erect stem, few green branches, 80 to 150 cm high. Leaves are alternate; petioles are 3-10 cm long; leaf blades are rhombic-broad ovate or triangular-broad ovate, 4-12 cm long, 3-7 cm wide, blunt or slightly concave, with a broad cuneate base, and are green, red, dark purple or with purple spots. The inflorescence is spherical at the bottom and slightly discontinuous spikes at the top. The flowers are yellow-green, unisexual, and monoecious; the bracts are ovate, awn-shaped at the tip, about 4 mm long, and membranous; there are 3 sepals, lanceolate, membranous, awn-shaped at the tip, male flowers have 3 stamens, female flowers have 1 pistil, and the stigma is 3-lobed. The utricle is oval, with persistent sepals that are longer than the fruit. When ripe, it cracks in a ring shape, and the upper part falls off in a cap-like shape. The seeds are dark brown, nearly oblate, convex on both sides, smooth and shiny. Flowering period is from May to July.

[Habitat distribution] Planted in various places.

[Chemical composition] The leaves contain vitamin C, with young leaves containing 99-121 mg%, and older leaves containing 119-178 mg%.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet, cool.

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and opens the orifices. Treats red and white dysentery and constipation.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, cook into porridge or mash into juice. For external use: decoct in water for washing or mash for application.

【Note】 People with weak spleen and loose stools should take this medicine with caution.

[Additional prescription] ① To treat red and white dysentery before and after childbirth: a handful of purple amaranth leaves (finely file), three he of glutinous rice. First, boil amaranth leaves in water, take the juice and discard the dregs, add rice and cook porridge, and eat it on an empty stomach. (Purple Amaranth Congee from "New Book on Longevity and Elderly Care")

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Shennong's Herbal Classic".

The above is an introduction to the effects of Amaranth. When using it, you can do so according to the needs mentioned above. Amaranth is also very helpful in treating certain diseases.