(Hong Lao) Xian Cai - 苋菜 - Herba Amaranthi Tricoloris

Pharmaceutical Latin:	Herba Amaranthi Tricoloris
Common English:	Amaranth Chinese spinach Joseph's-coat Spiny pigweed Three-colored Amaranth

Category

Herbs that Clear Heat and Purge Fire: Herbs that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity

Properties

Taste	Temperature	Entering Meridians	Dosage
Sweet	Cool	Large Intestine Small Intestine	25-60g

Actions And Indications

Actions	Indications/Syndromes
Clears Heat and removes toxicity	Dysentery, sores and boils, snake and insect bites
Relaxes the bowels and induces diuresis	Constipation, difficult urination

Contraindications, Incompatibilities And Herb/Drug Interactions

Major Combinations

Notes

1. Both a green variety, Qing Xian Cai, and a red variety, Hong Xian Cai, are used in China.
2. Generally speaking, spinach can support Kidney function and digestion.
3. Red amaranth roots are used for dysentery.
4. Spinach can help speed up defecation.
5. High-fiber foods are strongly recommended for people with colon cancer, diabetes mellitus or high blood cholesterol, and for those who want to lose weight.
6. Taken orally, an infusion of 30% red spinach leaves Hong Xian Cai can raise serum iron and hemoglobin levels.
7. Spinach leaves are used to clean up the Blood after childbirth, strengthen hair roots, and treat low blood pressure, anemia and Kidney failure.
8. The roots are used to treat dysentery.
9. Externally, mince fresh spinach leaves until smooth and place them on wounds from venomous animal bites.
10. It is used for chyluria, rough urination, bronchitis, eczema, ulcer and fever.
11. It helps produce breast milk and tonifies the Blood.
12. For respiratory complaints and bronchitis, finely grind the spinach stems together with the leaves, thorns, flowers and roots, boil in one liter of water and strain. Drink morning and evening.
13. To promote milk production, finely grind the stems, leaves, thorns, flowers and roots and apply the paste around the breast.
14. To tonify the Blood, finely grind two handfuls of spinach leaves, stems and thorns with one chicken egg. Pour one glass of water, squeeze the strained egg mixture into it and stir until it is evenly blended.
15. To tonify the Blood in babies, finely crush one handful of spinach leaves, thorns and stems, mix with water and add one tablespoon of honey. Give it regularly.
16. For eczema and ulcers, finely grind one piece of spinach thorn and apply it to the affected area.
    
17. Medicinally, it is used for diarrhea, ulcers and inflammation of the throat and mouth.
18. It is even suggested for allergic reactions to paint. For this, the Chinese advise simmering the stems and leaves in water and washing the affected areas once the liquid is tepid.
19. Another use is to simmer the leaves with diced cuttlefish for a long time (no one could say exactly how long) and eat the mixture several days in a row if the skin becomes jaundiced.
20. For dysentery, they say only red amaranth is of any value. Simmer it for a few minutes, add honey and eat the sweetened vegetable compote.
21. Amaranth is also suggested for bee stings: crush the leaves and apply them to the affected area, sting and all.
22. The root is also taken for a nose bleed. Use roughly two tablespoons of it with half that amount each of watermelon rind and Herba Ecliptae Mo Han Lian, and apply the minced mixture to the nose. Another source preferred simmering them together for a few minutes before applying.
23. Every part of the plant, whether root, stem or leaves, is used, both in cooking and in medicine. When used correctly, this delicious green has no known health hazards.