The efficacy and function of Amaranth

After thousands of years of sedimentation and accumulation, the types and quantities of Chinese medicine have become quite astonishing. Therefore, choosing Chinese medicine to treat some difficult and complicated diseases always has a very good effect. Next, I will recommend a Chinese medicine, Amaranth.

[Other names] Amaranth, fine amaranth (Bielu), wild amaranth, pig amaranth (Bencao Tujing), false amaranth (Flora of Guangzhou), green amaranth (Lahan Seed Plant Names).

[Source] It is the whole herb or root of Amaranthus crispus, a plant of the Amaranthaceae family. Harvested in spring and summer.

[Original morphology] Annual herb, 40 to 80 cm tall, completely glabrous. Stem erect, few branches. The leaves are ovate to ovate-rectangular, 2 to 9 cm long and 2.5 to 6 cm wide. The apex is rounded and slightly punctate, with a small awn tip, and the base is nearly truncated; the petiole is 3 to 6 cm long. Flowers are unisexual or polygamous, densely grown, green; spikes are axillary or integrated into terminal panicles; bracts and bracteoles are membranous, lanceolate, small; sepals are 3, oblong or oblanceolate; stamens are 3; stigmas are 2 to 3. The utricle is oblate, indehiscent, extremely wrinkled, and extends beyond the persistent sepals. Seeds brown or black. Flowering period is from June to July.

【Habitat distribution】Growing in fields. Distributed throughout the north and south of my country.

[Chemical composition] The leaves contain 35.1 mg% vitamin C.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet, mild, and cool.

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies. Treat sores, tooth decay, and insect bites.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 1 to 2 liang. For external use: decoct in water for washing, mash and apply; or calcine and grind the mixture for external application.

[Additional prescription] ① Treat sores and swellings: wild amaranth and Solanum nigrum. Wash with decoction.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

【Source】From "Bielu".

The above is some basic information about Amaranth. I hope you can learn more about Chinese herbal medicine, which will be beneficial to you.