Amaranth thrown back grows in almost every garden and among gardeners this plant is considered a weed.
Meanwhile, he has a huge list of useful properties that our ancestors always knew about and successfully used them.
- Chemical composition of the plant
- Useful properties of amaranth thrown back
- Broths and infusions
- Butter
- Where is used amaranth
- Treatment
- Prevention
- Cosmetology
- How to prepare medicinal raw materials
- Contraindications to the use
Chemical composition of the plant
In composition, the leaves and seeds of schiritsy are truly unique. First of all, it should be noted that the amount of vegetable protein and fiber in them is greater than in wheat and other cereals. Amaranth leaves thrown back are rich in amino acids, including lysine, tannins, carotene. The ground parts of the plant contain vitamins A, C, D, E, as well as rutin, which is able to replenish the reserves of vitamin R. Of the valuable minerals in this plant contains magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and iron.
Useful properties of amaranth thrown back
Although amaranth is not on the list of medicinal herbs, people have long known about its benefits.
In folk medicine, its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, laxative properties are often used. The weed has found its place under the name shchiritsa in the manufacture of cosmetics and in the preparation of various dishes.
Broths and infusions
As decoctions and infusions amaranth helps the general strengthening of the body, increasing potency, getting rid of worms.
Infusions are prepared both in alcohol and in water - their beneficial properties do not change.
Butter
Amaranth oil is rich in vitamin E and a carbohydrate compound called squalene. Vitamin E helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and the removal of excess cholesterol. Due to its high content, the oil is eaten to prevent thrombosis.
Without vitamin A contained in large quantities in amaranth oil, it is difficult to maintain normal health of the eyes, skin and teeth. Also, this tool helps to cope with insomnia, depression, get rid of headaches. It is recommended to add to your diet this product to people suffering from osteochondrosis, arthritis, arthrosis, muscle cramps. In general, the oil has a rejuvenating and strengthening effect on the human body.
Where is used amaranth
Treatment
For the treatment of various diseases, there are many recipes. Here are some of them:
For medicinal purposes, the oil should be taken inside only in its pure form or added to various dishes. Usually it is prescribed according to the following scheme: 1 dessert spoon 30 minutes before a meal for a month. The course is repeated every 5-6 months.
For those who do not tolerate the aftertaste, you can recommend rinsing your mouth with water acidified with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar.
To lower cholesterol, you need to take 2 teaspoons with meals. Diseases of the joints and skin diseases are treated with rubbing or compresses, which are applied for 20-30 minutes twice a day. For recovery in the postoperative period, as well as for anemia, you can prepare an aqueous extract of the leaves of the plant: take 3-4 tbsp. l dry leaves, pour 1 liter of boiling water over them and leave for 4 hours. Take three times a day half an hour before meals. Single dosage - 0.5 cups.
Prevention
For those who care about the condition of the body and believes that it is better to carry out preventive measures than to be treated, amaranth is just a godsend.
For the purpose of prophylaxis, to strengthen the immune system and as an additional source of vitamins, oil of shchiritsya is taken back up twice a year, usually in spring and autumn and 1 teaspoon 20 minutes before meals in the morning and evening. You can also fill them with salads and add to porridge. For one course you can use no more than 200 ml.
To rejuvenate the body and keep it in good shape, you can drink tea from dried leaves of anemone — 1 tablespoon per cup of boiling water, infused for 15 minutes.
Cosmetology
Amaranth has found its application in cosmetology in the form of oil, which many manufacturers introduce into the composition of hand and face creams, shampoos, masks and hair balms.
Instead of a purchased conditioner for hair, an infusion of shchiritsa leaves will be useful: 4 tbsp. ldry raw materials or 8 fresh leaves to put in a liter thermos and pour boiling water. Insist 24 hours, strain and dilute with water 1: 1, rinse hair 2 times a week.
How to prepare medicinal raw materials
The easiest way to prepare amaranth leaves for the winter is to dry them. Do it in two ways:
- Plucked leaves are washed, allowed to dry, cut and laid out on paper in a single layer in a well-ventilated room or on the street in special dryers, which are covered with glass. You need to dry in the shade, periodically checking and mixing the raw materials. When it is rubbed into the powder with your fingers, then it is ready.
- Another way is to form bunches and hang them in the attic (or on the balcony).
The leaves of shchiritsy are also good for cooking green soups, for this they are salted. You can put them in a jar separately, but you can with dill, sorrel, spinach. To do this, cut the greens and put in a jar, pouring every 2 cm with salt and well tamping.
Contraindications to the use
In a small amount, amaranth brings enormous benefits to the body, but in some diseases it can also bring harm. It can not be used by people with stones in the kidneys and gall bladder, as well as during exacerbation of cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Also, without consulting your doctor, you should be sensitive to allergy sufferers. It must be remembered that any vegetable oil, including amaranth, gives a laxative effect, so people with frequent disorders can also not abuse this product.
Amaranth is not for nothing called the flower of immortality and the grain of the gods. The grass growing under our feet has unique properties and you just need to learn how to use them correctly. Having studied the pros and cons, you will surely make friends with this wonderful plant and you will not be so eager to destroy it in your garden.