Herb amaranth photo healing properties. Common amaranth herb: description, useful properties, application Parts of the plant used

Marshmallow - Althaea officinalis L. Amaranth family - Amaranthaceae

Botanical characteristic

An annual herbaceous plant up to 1 m tall. It grows everywhere, like a weed in crops, gardens, orchards, in wastelands, along roads.

The root is spreading, penetrates far into the depths. Stem erect, branched, pubescent. The leaves are alternate, ovate-rhombic, elongated at the base into a petiole, with a notch at the top. The fruit is lenticular black. Blooms from June to September. Fruits until late autumn.

Several species grow. More common than others are:

• Shiritsa upturned- A. retroflorum - a pinkish-green plant, flower-bearing branches are collected in a compact panicle;
• shiritsa tailed- A. cordatus - with purple hanging panicles.

All types of amaranth are medicinal, but the caudate amaranth has the most healing properties.

plant parts used

All parts of the plant serve as medicinal raw materials. Raw materials are harvested during the entire growing season of the plant: leaves - before flowering; flower panicles - during flowering; seeds - as they ripen; roots in autumn.

Amaranth as a valuable food crop attracts attention all over the world. In the US, the amaranth institute and research centers are studying this culture and introducing it into the food industry. This is due to the fact that the plant contains a large amount of biologically active substances, mainly in the seeds from which amaranth oil is obtained.

Chemical composition

All parts of the plant contain nitrogen-containing compounds, betacyanidins: amaranthine, betanin, organic acids, vitamins, dyes, trace elements.

In addition, amaranth seeds contain a large set of amino acids, including essential ones, as well as protein with a high protein content (up to 18%). The protein of amaranth seeds is equated to the protein of human milk. In terms of nutritional value, amaranth protein is significantly superior to cow's milk protein and is almost 1.5 times superior to soy protein.

Amaranth seed oil contains a wide range of unsaturated acids and organic acids. The main component of seeds is squalene (more than 8%). Squalene is a component of human skin and is directly involved in the oxygen metabolism of tissues and organs, protects the body from radiation, and ensures the body's resistance to various diseases.

Application and medicinal properties

In the experiment, water extracts of the aerial part of amaranth have bactericidal, protistocidal and diuretic effects. Fatty oil has anti-inflammatory, hemostatic and antifungal effects. A decoction of the roots is effective in the treatment of jaundice and guinea worm. Fresh juice and infusion exhibit antitumor activity.

In folk medicine, amaranth in the form of infusions and decoctions is used in the treatment of tumors of various etiologies and localization inside and out; for the treatment of fungal diseases, as a hemostatic agent for various bleeding, liver and heart disease, gastrointestinal infections; externally - with eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, erosion, endometriosis, colpitis.

A decoction of the roots and seeds is used for dysentery; in the form of baths - for various skin diseases, allergies, diathesis, rashes, often with string and chamomile.

Fresh juice in a dilution of 1:5 is used to rinse the mouth, with inflammation of the mucous membranes. The juice of a flowering plant is an effective, rejuvenating, cosmetic product that strengthens the hair roots and promotes their growth.

The oil is used for burns, bedsores, insect bites, scars.

Young leaves are eaten; seeds - as a seasoning for dishes.

Cooking

• For decoction take 15 g of roots or aerial parts, grind, pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist on a boiling water bath for 30 minutes, cool for 10 minutes, filter. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day before meals.
• For getting infusion take 20 g of leaves, pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist on a boiling water bath for 15 minutes, cool for 45 minutes, filter. Take 2-3 times a day, 1/3 cup before meals.
• For baths take 300-400 g of raw materials, pour 2 liters of boiling water, boil in a saucepan for 15 minutes, cool for 10 minutes, filter and add to 1/2 bath 2-3 times a week for 20-30 minutes.

Currently, traditional medicine has a sufficient number of ways to cure various diseases and general strengthening of the human body. One of the most effective ways of healing in central Russia, the Far East and the Caucasus is the use of amaranth, an annual plant growing in grass and reaching a length of 100 cm in height. That is why we will now talk about how useful amaranth herb is, its medicinal properties, application, contraindications when using it. Let's start with the description and composition, which help to distinguish it from other representatives of the flora and explain the healing properties.

plant description

Amaranth spiky most often grows in open spaces in vegetable gardens and fields and has large oblong ovate leaves and small flowers of yellowish and grayish-green color, which eventually turn red and gather into balls and large broom-shaped inflorescences.

Such a plant has black small seeds and blooms for six months, - the whole summer and autumn. Many herbalists recommend collecting amaranth seeds and leaves in July and August. Amaranth is popularly called shiritsa.

Composition of amaranth

Its leaves contain 185 mg of vitamin C, starch, phosphorus and calcium salts, carotene, compounds containing nitrogen and 0.96% betaine, and fatty oil.

Amaranth seeds have a varied content, namely protein 20%, water - 8.7%, fiber - 10%, fatty oil - 7.5%, starch - 40%, sugar - 1.9%, ash - 4.4 %, and there is also a small amount of tannin in it.

Medical raw materials

All components of amaranth spiky are widely used by healers, namely stems, flowers, leaves and seeds.

Description of the healing properties of amaranth

The healing functions of amaranth include a general strengthening and tonic effect, as well as an increase in the resistance of the human body to various infections and viruses. It is known that amaranth lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood, frees the body from radionuclides, removes malignant tumors, heals wounds and cracks.

It should be noted that amaranth oil enhances the regeneration of tissues of both external and internal organs, and also harmonizes metabolism. The healing effect on the human body is expressed by an increase in immunity and a decrease in the number of myocardial infarctions and various heart diseases in patients.

The use of amaranth

Medicines from amaranth have an extended range of positive effects on the human body, namely, they eliminate pain in the stomach in the form of an infusion from one tablespoon of the leaves of the plant, filled with 100 ml of boiling water and infused for half an hour. This remedy is recommended to be used four times a day.

Patients suffering from a diseased liver, diabetes mellitus and gastritis should consume fresh amaranth leaves in the form of green smoothies mixed with homemade sour cream one tablespoon before meals 3 times a day.

In case of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the throat, freshly squeezed leaf juice is recommended in proportions of 1: 5, diluted with water in order to rinse the inside of the mouth.

A decoction of amaranth seeds has a beneficial effect on all kinds of inflammation of the rectum and colon, as well as internal bleeding in the form of an enema with a volume of 750 ml, in which you can dilute 2 teaspoons of crushed plant seeds, boiled over low heat for several minutes and infused for half an hour.

Regarding diseases associated with skin rashes, namely acne, psoriasis and eczema, it is recommended to wash with a decoction of seeds several times a day.

Inflammation of the urinary and reproductive systems also needs to be treated with an infusion of dry leaves and flowers of amaranth, soaked in vodka and infused for 2 weeks. This tincture is recommended to use one teaspoon diluted in the fourth part of a glass of water a few tens of minutes before meals.

It is important to note that menopausal problems in men and women are treated with amaranth oil, which is prepared as follows. Overripe seeds are recommended to grind and mix with vegetable oil in a ratio of 1:3. Heated to a temperature of 60 degrees, the mass is poured into a thermal mug and infused all night. This solution must be filtered and squeezed. It is recommended to repeat this extraction up to 5 times. The finished product is taken orally two teaspoons a couple of times a day before meals. One course of treatment needs 250 ml. oils.

Contraindications in the use of amaranth oil

The healing properties of amaranth are incomparably valuable for the human body, and can also pose a slight danger to patients with individual intolerance to tinctures and ointments. People suffering from pancreatitis, cholecystitis, amaranth oil is not recommended.

It is important to emphasize that gallstones and bladder stones also affect the dosage in the application of amaranth products, which causes slight nausea and slight dizziness. This is due to the saturation of the human body with a large amount of oxygen. The fatty acids contained in amaranth oil are recommended for people with normal cardiovascular function.

The amaranth or amaranth plant is a very valuable food crop in the world. In the USA, there is even an amaranth institute and research centers that study and introduce amaranth into the food industry.

Useful properties of amaranth grass

Shiritsa grass has a large amount of useful substances, especially in seeds, but all parts of the plant can be raw materials for medicines. They contain betacyanidins, nitrogen-containing compounds, amaranthine, organic acids, betanin, vitamins and trace elements, as well as dyes. And the seeds additionally contain essential amino acids, a protein that is equated to mother's milk. Such a seed component as squalene is the main one, it is also present in the human skin and is involved in oxygen metabolism, radiation protection, and ensuring the body's resistance to diseases.

Medicinal properties of amaranth:

• bactericidal and protistocidal;
• diuretic;
• anti-inflammatory;
• hemostatic;
• antifungal;
• antitumor.

Depending on the method of preparation of the medicinal product, the benefits of amaranth are obvious in inflammatory processes in the oral cavity and throat, skin diseases, heart, liver, malignant tumors, fungal infections, endometriosis, metrorrhagia, infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.

Ways to use amaranth herb

Young leaves and seeds of amaranth are used for cooking as a condiment.

Oil from the seeds of amaranth is used to treat burns, insect bites and bedsores.

Diluted plant juice in a ratio of 1: 5 gargle for the treatment of diseases of the mucous membranes in this area. If you take the juice during the flowering period, then it will have anti-aging and cosmetic properties, as well as promote the roots and their growth. Baths with amaranth, chamomile and string allow you to fight eczema, psoriasis, diathesis and other skin diseases. For the treatment of diseases of internal organs, decoctions and infusions from this plant are used.

decoction recipe

Ingredients:

• crushed roots or aerial part of amaranth - 15 g;
• boiling water - 200 ml.

Preparation and application

Pour boiling water over the prepared plant material and simmer for half an hour in a water bath. Then cool for 10 minutes, strain and divide the resulting portion into three doses during the day before meals, i.e. turns out 1/3 tbsp. for one visit.

Infusion recipe number 1

Ingredients:

• amaranth leaves - 20 g;
• boiling water - 200 ml.

Preparation and application

Pour boiling water over the prepared plant material and simmer for half an hour in a boiling water bath. Let cool for 10 minutes, strain. The resulting portion is intended for three doses during the day before meals, i.e. turns out 1/3 tbsp. for one visit.

Infusion recipe number 2

Ingredients:

• amaranth leaves - 20 g;
• boiling water - 200 ml.

Preparation and application

Pour boiling water over the leaves and boil for 15 minutes. in a boiling water bath, then the broth is infused for 45 minutes, only after that it can be filtered. Take the infusion should be before meals two or three times a day for 1/3 cup.

Bath Recipe

An annual plant, common amaranth is a weed that many have seen in vegetable gardens and fields, on roadsides. Not everyone knows that traditional healers consider this herb to be a medicinal plant containing many useful substances that a person needs.

Description

Common amaranth, beetroot, rubella, amaranth - all these are the names of one plant that are used in different regions of our country. And that's not all: the plant is known as velvet, cockscombs, axamitnik. It refers to herbaceous plants with small red flowers, which are collected in inflorescences - dense, spike-paniculate, rather long. Common amaranth flowers remain on the plant for several months.

This is an ancient plant that began to be cultivated in South America as a grain crop. In Spain, it was considered a flower of evil spirits, because it was forbidden there. Common amaranth appeared in Europe in the 16th century, and in Russia in the 19th. In Sweden, even a special order for shiritsa was established.

This is an annual herbaceous plant with a tall thick stem up to one meter high with oblong-lanceolate, alternate, pointed leaves covered with purple-red spots. Flowering begins in August with small flowers that gather in paniculate spike-shaped inflorescences. Common amaranth blooms until frost.

The seeds of the plant are shiny small black grains. To date, about a hundred species of plants belonging to this family are known, which grow in moderately warm regions. Most of them are weeds.

Some types of amaranth are a valuable food crop. Today, decorative varieties have been bred that adorn garden plots in the fall. Dried flowers of this plant evoke pleasant memories of summer in a long cold winter. Translated from Greek, amaranth is translated as "unfading flower". Under natural conditions, amaranth can be found in China and India.

The use of amaranth

In many countries of Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, amaranth is classified as a fodder and medicinal plant. Flour and confectionery products, drinks are made from grains. Fresh and dried leaves are fried, steamed and canned. In Asian cuisine, common amaranth herb is used as a delicious vitamin supplement for salads, fish, and meat. In Greek cuisine, amaranth shoots are poured with olive oil, lemon juice is added and used as a side dish for fish dishes.

In folk medicine, sprouted grains are used as a means to strengthen the body. Chinese healers use amaranth seed oil to treat tumors and fight aging. The amaranth oil contains a unique element, squalene (we will talk about it in more detail below). Common amaranth seeds are recommended for use as additives in dietary products: bakery products, cereals, confectionery and pasta.

Shiritsa flour has biological value, it is a source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins C and PP. It does not contain gluten and may well become the basis of the diet for patients with celiac disease, without the addition of wheat flour. In Russia, this plant is grown as an ornamental and for animal feed. Getting into the garden, field, common amaranth, the photo of which you can see in this article, is growing rapidly. It is considered a weed that is very difficult to control.

Common shiritsa: useful properties

Despite the fact that amaranth, or amaranth, is a weed plant, and earlier it was most often used for livestock feed, people eventually noticed its beneficial properties and began to use it for treatment. Each part of common amaranth has a rich biological and chemical composition:

• proteins, including albumins and globulins;
• fats;
• dietary fiber (fiber);
• carbohydrates;
• tocotrienol form of vitamin E;
• carbohydrates;
• squalene;
• amino acid lysine;
• flavonoids (rutin, quercetin and trefolin);
• phospholipids;
• ascorbic acid;
• B vitamins;
• retinol (vitamin A);
• niacin;
• pectins.

The plant contains a huge amount of micro and macro elements: calcium and potassium, manganese and magnesium, fluorine and sodium, zinc and iron, copper and selenium. Leaves and seeds of common amaranth contain a fatty oil saturated with associated acids (oleic, stearic, linoleic, palmitic). The roots contain:

• amaranthine;
• isoamaranthine;
• isobetanine;
• betanine;
• alkaloids.

Squalene

It is especially necessary to dwell on this substance, which is part of the plant. Squalene is a triterpene hydrocarbon belonging to the group of carotenoids. Its feature is to help with oxygenation of the cells of the body.

Taking an active part in metabolism, squalene affects cholesterol levels. Moreover, it has antimicrobial properties. This substance is often used in cosmetology. Its pronounced anti-aging properties are used in the production of anti-aging cosmetics.

Common shiritsa: medicinal properties

Due to the rich vitamin and mineral composition and high energy value, folk healers and traditional medicine doctors actively use this amazing plant in their practice. Preparations based on it are indicated for the treatment of:

• some diseases of the genitourinary system;
• children's nocturnal enuresis;
• restoration of the body with anemia, beriberi and loss of strength;
• painful sensations with hemorrhoids;
• atherosclerosis;
• overweight and obesity;
• diabetes mellitus, as a prophylactic;
• neurosis.

How is recovery going?

Decoctions and infusions of the plant are used to treat skin lesions, dental diseases (periodontal disease, stomatitis), healing ulcers of the gastrointestinal system. Shiritsa stimulates:

• saturation of organs and tissues with oxygen;
• immune system to resist viruses;
• formation and development of cancer cells is prevented;
• blood is cleansed of infections;
• heavy metals and toxins are removed;
• visual acuity improves;
• accelerates recovery after serious illnesses and radiation therapy;
• regenerative functions are activated.

Shiritsa-Based Recipes

The healing properties of common amaranth are used in many preparations based on this plant. We will introduce you to some of them.

A decoction of the roots

To prepare this remedy, you will need fifteen grams of dry crushed raw materials, which are brewed with boiling water (200 ml). Then the container with the grass is placed in a water bath and boiled for thirty minutes. Within ten minutes, the composition is allowed to cool and filter. Take the remedy for a third of a glass twice a day.

Leaf infusion

Twenty grams of dry leaves pour 250 ml of hot boiled water. Boil in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. Forty-five minutes, the remedy should be infused, after which it should be filtered and you can take the composition of a third of a glass twice a day.

Leaf infusion (fresh)

Pour one tablespoon (tablespoon) of chopped grass leaves with 200 ml of boiling water. Wrap the container and let the product brew for about forty minutes. Strain and take with honey a quarter cup for acute pain in the stomach three times a day.

Oil of amaranth

This substance, obtained from grains, is rich in squalene. It contains vitamin D, which is necessary for the full synthesis of the hormone. In addition, it is useful for human skin, has many medicinal properties. Shiritsa seeds are rich in vitamin E - the best antioxidant. Oil from grains of amaranth surpasses sea buckthorn in all respects.

Bath decoction

Pour chopped dry grass (400 g) with two liters of boiling water and boil for another fifteen minutes over low heat. For half an hour, let the product brew and pour it into the bath. This therapeutic bath is recommended three times a week for skin diseases. The duration of the procedure is no more than half an hour.

Vodka tincture

Pour vodka over dry grass of common amaranth (flowers and leaves) and place in a dark place for two weeks. Strain and take a spoon (tea) diluted in a small amount of water before meals for diseases of the genitourinary system.

Lime juice

For diabetes, gastritis, pain in the liver, folk healers recommend taking amaranth juice mixed with homemade sour cream and cream. Juice is prepared as follows. Juice is squeezed out of fresh leaves, after passing them through a meat grinder or chopping with a blender. You can use a juicer.

The juice is mixed in a 1:1 ratio with cream. It should be taken three times a day for a spoon (table) after meals.

Enuresis treatment

A tablespoon (tablespoon) of crushed amaranth inflorescences, along with seeds, must be poured with 250 ml of boiling water and placed in a water bath for twenty minutes. After the specified time, leave the product to cool completely. Then strain and take a spoon (tea) with 50 ml of water. Take three times a day thirty minutes before meals and before bedtime. The course of treatment is designed for two weeks.

Rejuvenating Blend

This is a unique composition that removes toxins and other harmful substances from the body. To prepare it, you will need amaranth, St. John's wort, birch buds and chamomile, one spoon each (tablespoon). Brew two tablespoons of the collection with 500 ml of boiling water, let the composition brew for three hours and strain it. The mixture is taken twice a day, one glass each - in the morning on an empty stomach and at night, adding a spoonful of honey (a teaspoon). Before taking the infusion should be warmed up. Re-admission of this anti-aging mixture is carried out no earlier than two years later.

Contraindications

Like all medicinal plants, amaranth has limitations in taking drugs based on it. These include:

• cholelithiasis;
• pancreatitis;
• gluten enteropathy;
• urolithiasis disease;
• individual intolerance;
• cholecystitis.

Shiritsa contains in its composition the amino acid lysine, indispensable for our body, and such macro- and microelements as:

• potassium,
• phosphorus,
• magnesium,
• protein,
• vitamins C, D,
• group B.

Also, this plant, unusual for us, contains a large amount of a special substance - squalene. It has antitumor, immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties.
The constant use of amaranth in food will improve metabolism, normalize hormonal levels, improve kidney and liver function. Amaranth can be used during pregnancy to reduce the manifestations of toxicosis, as well as a cytoprotector for gastritis or peptic ulcer.
Almost everyone can include a small amount of amaranth in their diet, with the exception of people suffering from certain diseases.

Diseases in which the use of amaranth is contraindicated:

• Cholecystitis,
• Cholelithiasis,
• Urolithiasis disease,
• pancreatitis,
• Allergy to amaranth.

Shiritsa recipes

• Fresh shiritsa

It is better to eat amaranth fresh, when the useful leaves contain the maximum concentration of vitamin C. It is enough to add a few leaves to a salad, soup.

• Rejuvenating tea

Dried leaves can be used to make delicious and fragrant tea. To do this, pour 1 tablespoon of amaranth leaves with a glass of boiling water and leave for 10-15 minutes. The constant use of amaranth tea will lead to a visible rejuvenating effect.

• Healthy porridge

From dry amaranth seeds, you can cook not only tasty, but also incredibly healthy porridge. 600 ml. water must be brought to a boil, then add a glass of dry amaranth seeds and wait until all the seeds sink to the bottom of the pan. After that, be sure to cover the porridge with a lid, and cook, stirring occasionally for 30-40 minutes. You can add fruits or nuts to the finished dish.

At home, you can cook amaranth oil yourself. To do this, 100 g of mature amaranth seeds need to be thoroughly crushed, add three times more vegetable or olive oil, heat in a water bath to 50-60 degrees. Pour the mass into a thermos and leave for 10 hours. Then the oil must be filtered, and add the amaranth powder. Keep the oil in the refrigerator, take 1 spoon 2 times a day. Amaranth oil can be taken for gastritis, peptic ulcer, atherosclerosis.