Amaranthus spinosus

Spiny Amaranth
Chaulai (Ayurveda)

Bonelli, Giorgio, Hortus Romanus juxta Systema Tournefortianum (1783-1816)

Botanical name:

Amaranthus spinosus, A. polygamus

Parts used:

Whole plant; Seeds; Root

Temperature & Taste:

Cool, Sweet.

Uses:

1. Clears Heat, Resists Poison: (West, Ayurveda)
-Poisons, Toxic Fever
-Intoxication, alcoholism; drowsiness due to poison or intoxication
-High Fever, Chicken Pox, malaria
-Boils, Eczema
-Bites of Insects, Rats, Snakes etc. (juice internally and topically)

2. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine: (West, Ayurveda)
-Edema
-Leukorrhea
-root powder is also used for Jaundice
-adjunct in Rheumatic pain

3. Improves Digestion, Stops Vomiting:
-appetiser, carminative; Indigestion (root)
-Indigestion, Vomiting (plant decoction, or juice with rice water)
-abdominal pain

4. Clears Heat, Stops Bleeding: (West, Ayurveda)
-heat-type Bleeding (Root)
-excessive menstruation, Internal bleeding (Root or herb)
-Hemorrhoids
-Coughing of Blood

5. Increases Milk:
-increases quality and quantity of Milk
-traditionally boiled with pulses and given to cattle to increase milk

6. Externally:
-Bruises
-Abscesses, Inflammations

Dose:

Powder of the Whole Plant: 1–3 grams
Root Powder: 3–5 grams (for Jaundice)
Fresh Juice: 10–20mls.

Comment:

The plant is boiled and eaten as a potherb, much like Spinach.

Main Combinations:

1. Menorrhagia, Amaranthus spoinosa root with Rasot (Barberry extract), taken with Honey
2. Poisoning, Root in Ghee with Milk
3. Bleeding, the root with Honey and Rice water

Major Formulas:

Cautions:

None noted