Amaranthus viridis L.
Vernacular name: Green amaranth, Slender amaranth, Chaulai (Hindi: चौलाई)
Species Name: Amaranthus viridis L.
Family: Amaranthaceae
Habit: Erect annual herb
Stem: Light green, branched from base, 20-100 cm tall, glabrous to pubescent.
Leaf: Alternate, ovate-rhombic, 2-7 cm long, 1.5-5.5 cm wide, long petioles.
Flowering: June–October
Flowers: Terminal and axillary paniculate spikes (paniculate inflorescence – compound raceme with axillary branches); small green, unisexual, bracts awned.
Fruit: Globose utricle 1.5 mm, circumscissile.
Uses:
- Leaf decoction is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and eye inflammation.
- Leafy vegetable rich in protein and iron.
- Seed is used as famine food.
- Tribal greens in Rajasthan; boiled saag in Bihar villages.
- Plant has antioxidant, digestive and anti-inflammation properties.
- Leaf paste is used to sooth eczema, insect bites, rashes and psoriasis.
- Plant acts as a natural diuretic so used to treat urinary tract infections.
- Plant helps in managing rheumatic pain and labor pain.
- Plant has galactagogue properties.
- Plant is also used as a fodder for life stocks.
- Plant grows fast and suppress growth of weeds.
