Bitterroot Restoration

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae
 Division: Magnoliophyta
  Class: Magnoliopsida
   Order: Caryophyllales
    Family: Amaranthaceae
     Genus: Amaranthus
      Species: Amaranthus spinosus

Amaranthus spinosus is commonly known as spiny amaranth, prickly amaranth,  thorny amaranth, etc. Amaranthus spinosus is native to the tropical Americas, but it is present on most continents as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed.

Medicinal Uses
The plant is astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emollient and febrifuge. It is used internally in the treatment of internal bleeding, diarrhoea and excessive menstruation.

It is also used in the treatment of snake bites.

Externally, it is used to treat ulcerated mouths, vaginal discharges, nosebleeds and wounds. The plant can be used fresh or it can also be harvested when coming into flower and dried for later use.

The root is emmenagogue and galactogogue. It is used in the treatment of menorrhagia, gonorrhoea, eczema and colic.

The seed is used as a poultice for broken bones.

Other Uses

• Yellow and green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.
• A red pigment obtained from the plant can be used as a colouring in foods and medicines.