AMARANTH
Common Names: Amaranth, Careless Weed, Prince’s Feather, Pigweed.
Scientific Name: Amaranthus genus
When to Find: Leaves in Spring, seeds in Fall.
Where to Find: Fields, fence rows, waste ground.
Parts Used: Leaves and seeds.
Note: Ameranthus hypochondriacus was cultivated by the Aztec’s. Its seed is over 15 percent protein.
Preparation: Cook green leaves in water. Dry seed and grind into meal. Boil a teaspoonful of dried leaves for diarrhea. Use leaf tea as mouthwash for cankers, sore throat, or sore gums.
Storage: Bag meal.
Identification: Medium green pointed-oval leaves downy underneath. Feathery flower spikes with black seeds.
