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Information About The Herb Amaranth
Amaranth also known as Lady Bleeding is part of the Amaranthaceae plant family.Grows in the tropics,
mainly in tropical America, India, Africa, Java.
Botanical Name: Amaranthus spp. including Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus melancholicus
Common Name: Lady Bleeding, Love-lies-bleeding, Lovely Bleeding, Pilewort, Prince's Feather, Red Cockscomb, Spleen Amaranth, Velvet Flower, Amaranto, Quelites
Plant Family: Amaranthaceae
History: The name is from the Greek for 'unwithering' .
It was used by Native Americans:
- as an antidote to snake poison
- for contraception
- to stop menstruation
Plant Constituents of Amaranth
Contains:
- mucilage
- sugar
Action: This varies from species to species and can be:
- alterative [an agent capable of favorably altering or changing unhealthy conditions of the body and tending to restore normal bodily function, usually by improving nutrition]
- astringent [a binding agent that contracts organic tissue, reducing secretions or discharges of mucous and fluid from the body]
- diaphoretic [an agent that promotes perspiration]
- diuretic [an agent that increases the volume and flow of urine which cleanses the urinary system]
- stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
- tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]
Medicinal Part used: The flowering herb
Amaranth
- was sacred to the god Artemis
- was used as a symbol of immortality to decorate images of gods and goddesses and tombs
- was used in pagan burial ceremonies
- was used in spells for immortality
- was used to repair a broken heart
- when woven into a wreath it was said to make the wearer invisible
- guard against evil
- help prevent burns and mishaps while cooking
- prevent household accidents
Amaranth is commonly used for:
Blood Conditions
- hemorrhages, especially bowel
- spitting of blood
Female Conditions
- menorrhagia (excessive menstruation)
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- diarrhea
- dysentery
- gastroenteritis
- stomach influenza
Respiratory Tract Conditions
It can be used as a gargle for:
- ulcerated conditions of the throat and mouth
Applied externally it can:
- be used as a wash for sores and ulcers
- be used for tick bites
- reduce tissue swelling from sprains
and is used as a douche for:
- leucorrhea
Dosage:
Recommended dosage is as follows:
Tea:
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.
Oil dosage:
For internal use drink down twice a day one teaspoon of amaranth oil, or add to cold dishes (dairy products, salads, etc.) In case of higher influences listed above it is possible to increase the dosage to 1 – 2 teaspoons three times a day.
Caution:
- Not to be used by pregnant or lactating women
- Care with cold deficient spleen stomach. (Weak digestion)
Drug Interactions:
Do not use Amaranth without first talking to your practitioner or healthcare provider if you taking any of the following medications:
- None known
Information given by our website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.
