- Origin
- North America, South America (and Asia for some species)
- Traditions
- Folk magic and herbal magic
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 374
Amaranthus spp.
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Amaranth
Amaranthus spp.
Traditionally attributed effects: flowers, leaf and root strongly antiseptic; wound healing.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Only for small, clean wounds; have deep or infected wounds assessed.
Preparation
External: in calendula-amaranth salve for cuts and grazes.
Use in traditions
Amaranth (huauhtli) was a staple crop of the Aztecs: from the seed mixed with honey they made figures of gods that were eaten after the ceremony. The Spanish therefore banned its cultivation. In Mexico the tradition lives on in alegría, a sweet of popped amaranth with honey. Leaves and seeds are eaten as a vegetable and grain from Mexico to India. In herbal magic associated with long life, feeling unstoppable and connection with gods and goddesses (a wreath of flowers).
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Mildly astringent; in folk use applied to small wounds.
Preparation and amount
External: flowers and leaves in a salve for small cuts and grazes, together with calendula and plantain (see the recipe).
Caution: Only for small, clean wounds; have deep or infected wounds assessed.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Long life, feeling unstoppable, connection with gods and goddesses (wreath of flowers).
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with immortality, steadfastness and a bond with the divine.
Preparation and amount
For the Aztecs amaranth (huauhtli) was a staple food and a sacred crop: at festivals for the god Huitzilopochtli figures were made of amaranth dough with honey. The Spanish partly banned its cultivation. The name comes from the Greek for 'unfading'.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Salve and balmSyrup, honey and oxymel