Red Amaranth

The Red Amaranth is a herb that grows in gardens and unused wastelands. It attains a height of about 1 metre having alternate leaves which are purplish- red in colour. The tiny flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem and in the leaf axils. The seeds are very small, black and round.

MEDICINAL USE:

* For treating acute abdominal pain and stomach ache, abnormal stoppage of menses and inflamed mucous membranes of the urethra and vagina.
* For chronic inflammation of the skin.
* Promotes flow of milk in nursing mothers.
* As a laxative.
* Softens inflamed parts.

* In treating boils and burns.

HOW TO USE:

* A decoction made from the root of the herb is used for acute abdominal pain, stomach ache, abnormal stoppage of menses and inflamed mucous membranes of urethra and vagina.
* Externally used as poultice, the paste of the whole plant is applied over inflamed skin.


* The decoction of the root is also used for promoting the flow of milk in nursing mothers.
* The leaves and the root are boiled together to make a tea which is given to children as a laxative.

PARTS USED:

The whole plant.

DOSE:

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp


1 litre = 7 or 8 cups