Amaranth
| Amaranth in TCM:Explore the properties of Amaranth according to Chinese
Nutrition and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):
Temperature: cool
Channels: LU, LI, SP, UB, LV
Flavors: sweet, bitter
Tonifies: qi, blood
Special Properties:
clears damp, resolves water accumulations
In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Amaranth is known for its ability to tonify qi, resolve dampness, and regulate water accumulations. It is also believed to calm the spirit, tonify the blood, and strengthen the spleen [22].
In general the ancient Chinese medical texts cite that it enters the Lung, Large Intestine, Urine Bladder, and Liver. The flavor of Amaranth is sweet and bitter. Although some sources say that amaranth is warm in nature[22], this does not match with its healing and descending actions. The editor's choice is that amaranth is slightly cool.
Amaranth was used by the Aztecs and is said to have the ability to ward off malnutrition. It has the ability to thrive in poor soil and during drought conditions. Amaranth is especially helpful for nursing or pregnant women, infants, children, or those who do heavy physical work.
Amaranth has similar properties to Quinoa. When used in combination with low-lysine grains such as wheat, Amaranth "presents a very high amino acid/protein profile, even higher than found in meats.... the value of this combination is... high levels... of both protein and calcium. Amaranth is expensive, at roughly 6 to 10 times the price of wheat." (HWWF 459)
Amaranth dries dampness and benefits the lungs. It is high in iron, protein, fiber, amino acids (lysine and methionine), vitamin C, and calcium. It contains more calcium and calcium cofactors (magnesium and silicon) than milk. As a result the calcium from Amaranth can be utilized efficiently by the body. Amaranth is often used in breads, cakes, soups, and grain dishes. Amaranth can be popped like popcorn or toasted for a nutty flavor. Amaranth can also be sprouted and used in salads.
Amaranth may be helpful to alleviate fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, and anxiety. For fatigue substitute amaranth for other grains in the diet. For diarrhea or bloating avoid all grains that contain gluten, and instead cook amaranth with brown rice. For anxiety or insomnia toast 1/4 cup of amaranth in an oven until slightly brown, then steep the amaranth in hot water for 5 minutes. Sip before bed time.
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