Page 153 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

Forest, Scrublands, and

Woodlands

Amaranthus caudatus

Amaranthus caudatus is a brilliantly beautiful plant.
Its tails of bright red flowers make it easy to locate,
even at a distance. It is also called loves-lies-bleeding,
tassel flower, velvet flower, foxtail amaranth, pendant
amaranth, and quilete. It is in the Amaranthaceae
(Amaranth) Family. Amaranthus caudatus is wide-
spread throughout North America. It often grows in
disturbed ground.

Identification: Amaranthus caudatus is an annual
flowering plant. It grows from 3 to 8 feet (0.9m to
2.4m) tall in full sun with a spread of 1 to 3 feet (0.3m
to 0.9m). It blooms from July until the first frost. The
red flowers are very small and have no petals. They
bloom in drooping terminal tassel-like panicles that
are 1 to 2 feet (0.3m to 0.6m) long. The seeds ripen in
September.

Edible Use: The leaves and seeds of Amaranthus
caudatus are edible. Amaranth leaves can be eaten raw Amaranthus caudatus, Tubifex, CC by SA 3.0
or cooked. The seeds are used as a grain. They do not
need to be cooked, but are good toasted in a little oil. water for 10 minutes. Let it cool and gargle and swish
The seeds are also good when sprouted. with it three or more times a day.
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Stopping
Medicinal Use: The plant is astringent, anti-para-
sitic, and diuretic. Bleeding: Amaranthus caudatus is a powerful blood
clotting agent and works to stop excess menstrual
Diabetes: People with diabetes can substitute Ama- bleeding. Boil 1 tablespoon of root powder in 1 cup of
ranthus for rice and also eat the seeds and leaves as of- water. Let it cool, then consume. For external bleeding,
ten as possible. It has anti-diabetic properties that help dust the affected area with the root powder. It quickly
regulate blood sugar and brings it down significantly. stops nosebleeds and bleeding from other small
Lowers Cholesterol: Amaranthus seeds and oil wounds.
are a healthy choice for those with hypertension, car- Vaginal Infections: Use an Amaranthus leaf and
diovascular disease, and high cholesterol. root powder decoction internally, and use externally as
Sore Throats, Mouth Sores, and Canker a douche to treat vaginal discharge.
Sores: A gargle made from dried and powdered Am- Warning: Amaranthus caudatus should not be used
aranthus leaves is an effective treatment for sore by people who have gout, rheumatoid arthritis, or kid-
throats and canker sores. To make a gargle, boil 2 ta- ney disorders. It should not be given to pregnant
blespoons of powdered amaranth leaves in 1 cup of women, nursing mothers, or babies.

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