Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed NotebookFR · EN

Amaranthus spinosus

Amaranthus spinosus
Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. If in doubt, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.
Enhanced precautions for this plant: Not recommended during pregnancy due to traditional uses related to the female cycle, the safety of which has not been established. Internal use, particularly of the root, should remain occasional and supervised by a healthcare professional or experienced herbalist. Avoid in young children and during ongoing medical treatment, due to insufficient data on interactions. The spiny stems require careful handling during harvest to avoid injury.
Decoction — Leaves

Digestive leaf decoction

Boil a handful of fresh or dried leaves in water for a few minutes, then let steep off the heat. This preparation was traditionally drunk warm after meals. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Compress — Leaves

Fresh leaf poultice

Crush fresh leaves to obtain a paste, then apply directly to the affected area using a clean cloth. Renew the application once or twice daily according to folk tradition. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Decoction — Root

Root decoction

The dried root was boiled at length to extract the active principles, in a use reserved for experienced traditional practitioners. This more concentrated preparation requires professional advice before any use. Dosage to be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

It is found in the wild in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, often in wastelands or at the edge of cultivated areas; some herbalist shops specializing in African plants offer dried leaves.

Harvest season

When to harvest

Leaves are preferably harvested young, during the rainy season, before seed formation and spine hardening.

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