The efficacy and function of Amaranthus aurantii

We know that there are many kinds of Chinese medicinal materials, and Amaranthus aurantii is one of them. In order for Amaranthus to play its role correctly and scientifically, it is necessary to master the method of eating it, because different medicinal materials have their own unique nutrition and efficacy. Let’s study it below.

[Other names] Golden peach, big fairy peach grass

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Amaranthus aurantifolia of the Lythraceae family.

[Original form] Herbs, erect, glabrous, 15-60cm high. Stem few branches, upper part usually 4-sided or slightly narrowly winged. Leaves are opposite, sessile; leaf blades are membranous, narrowly needle-shaped or 1.5-7.5cm long, 3-15mm wide, acuminate or slightly acute at apex, enlarged at base, more or less cordate-auricle-shaped, semi-amplexicaul; midrib is flat on the upper side, slightly convex on the lower side, and lateral veins are not obvious. The inflorescence is axillary, usually with 3 flowers, and up to 15; the peduncle is about 5mm long, the pedicel is very short, about 1-2mm long; there are 2 bracts, linear, 1.5mm long, and the bracteoles are scale-like; the calyx tube is bell-shaped, 1.5-2mm long, initially narrow at the base, hemispherical when firm, with 4-8 slightly obvious ridges, 4 teeth, broadly triangular; there are 4 petals, purple or white, nearly round, caducous, sometimes without petals; there are 4-8 stamens, about half of which protrude above the calyx lobes; the ovary is spherical, about 1mm long, and the style is equal to or longer than the ovary. The capsule is oblate, about 1/3 of it protrudes from the calyx when mature, is purple-red, 2-3.5mm in diameter, and has irregular circumferential fissures. The seeds are small, semi-oval, and flattened. Flowering period is from August to December.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: It likes to grow in rice fields and humid places. It is not a common species.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; bland; neutral

【Meridian】 Spleen meridian; Bladder meridian

【Functions and indications】 Strengthens the spleen and eliminates dampness; promotes qi and disperses blood stasis. Indications: spleen deficiency, anorexia, chest fullness, acute and chronic cystitis, leucorrhea in women, and pain and swelling caused by trauma

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 12-24g, fresh product can be used up to 30g; or soaked in wine.

【Note】 Pregnant women should not take this medicine.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above describes some ways to eat Amaranthus aurantii. Although many medicinal herbs can be eaten, we must remind everyone that Chinese medicines generally cannot be taken indiscriminately and should be used according to your own situation.