Health

AMARANTH

Amaranth Information
Amaranth also known as Lady Bleeding is part of the Amaranthaceae plant family.Grows in the tropics, mainly in tropical America, India, Africa, Java.

General Information
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]
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Usage of Amaranth
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.

Precautions
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

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