Amaranth
- Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.
- Amaranthaceae
- Amaranth family
Common Names
 Floramor
Flower gentle
Flower Velour
Lady bleeding
Lovely bleeding
Love lies bleeding
Pilewort
Prince's feather
Red cockscomb
Spleen amaranth
Velvet flower
Parts Usually Used
Leaves
Description of Plant(s) and
Culture
Amaranth is an annual herb; its stout, upright stem grows 3-4 feet high and bears alternate, oblong-lanceolate pointed, green leaves that have a red-purplish spot. Its flowers appear in August and grow in clusters. The flowers are not properly flowers, but tufts, with no smell, and of a reddish color. Bruised flowers will yield juice of the same color, dried they make good addition to flower arrangements. Flowering time is from August until frost. Seeds are a shiny black.
Other varieties: Smooth pigweed (A. hybridus); Pigweed or Green Amaranth (A. retroflexus). (also tumbleweed)
Where Found
Cultivated and occurs wild mainly in the central states of the United States.
Medicinal Properties
Astringent, hemostatic, nutritive, alterative
Biochemical Information
Not identified; probably small amount of tannin
Legends, Myths and Stories
The name is from the Greek, meaning "unfading".
The ash of amaranth has a very large salt peter content.
Some species of amaranth are known as pigweed. None of the species is poisonous and many are used as potherbs.
Uses
Taken internally for diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhage from the bowels, nosebleeds, and excessive menstruation. Can be used as a douche for leucorrhea, as a wash for skin problems, and as a gargle for mouth and throat irritations.
Formulas or Dosages
Infusion or decoction: use 1 tsp. leaves with 1 cup water. Take cold, 1-2 cups a day.
Gargle: 2 tbsp. to 1 quart water, simmered 10 minutes and used as a gargle 3-4 times a day. May be used as a douche for leucorrhea.
Tincture: a dose is 1/2 to 1 tsp.
Nutrient Content
High in vitamins A and C
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