Chenopodium album (Amaranthaceae) , Bathua, Lamb's Quarters

Das K
Jan 17
4 min read

Updated: Jan 18

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Chenopodium album L.

Family: Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae)

Genus: Chenopodium

Related Herbs from the same family:

· Dysphania ambrosioides (Epazote/Sanskrit: Sugandhavastra): A pungent herb used as a carminative and anthelmintic, especially for intestinal worms.

· Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla (Swiss Chard/Silverbeet): A highly nutritious leafy green used as a blood tonic and digestive aid.

· Spinacia oleracea (Palak/Spinach): A premier iron-rich, cooling leafy green used for anemia and as a general tonic.

· Amaranthus viridis (Chaulai): Another highly nutritious wild green used for eye health and as a blood purifier.

The Amaranthaceae family encompasses a wide array of nutrient-dense "leafy green" plants, many considered weeds but valued in traditional diets and medicine for their high mineral and vitamin content.

2. Common Names:

3. Medicinal Uses:

Nutritive Tonic, Mild Laxative, Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory (mild), Galactagogue, Anthelmintic (for specific seed preparations), Blood Purifier.

Medicinal Parts:

The leaves, young shoots, and seeds are all used.

· Leaves and Young Shoots (as a vegetable): The primary part used as a highly nutritious food-medicine.

· Seeds: Ground into flour or used in specific anthelmintic preparations.

· Whole Plant: Occasionally used in decoctions.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Betalains and Flavonoids: Pigments and antioxidants that provide Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant benefits, protecting cells from damage.

Saponins: Present in the seeds, contributing to potential Anthelmintic (worm-expelling) properties, but can be irritating in large amounts.

Vitamins & Minerals (Exceptionally High): Rich in Vitamin A, C, B-complex, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Their action is as a powerful Nutritive Tonic, building strength and correcting deficiencies.

Oxalic Acid: Present, as in spinach and amaranth. Its action can Bind to Minerals (like calcium), potentially reducing their bioavailability, and may contribute to kidney stone formation in susceptible individuals if consumed in very large, raw quantities.

Dietary Fiber: Provides Mild Laxative and Digestive benefits.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Daurbalya (Debility) & Pandu (Anemia) - Brimhana (Nutritive)

Formulation: Cooked leafy vegetable (saag).

Preparation & Use: Bathua saag is a classic seasonal dish in North India, consumed to build strength, boost energy, and improve blood quality, especially after winter or during convalescence. It is considered a Sattvic food.

Reasoning: Its exceptional density of vitamins and minerals directly nourishes all bodily tissues (Dhatus), combating malnutrition and iron-deficiency anemia.

Vata-Pitta Shamaka (Balances Vata & Pitta) & Vishtambha (Constipation)

Formulation: Cooked greens with ghee or sesame oil.

Preparation & Use: The cooked leaves, with their mild laxative and cooling properties, are eaten to relieve constipation, particularly when it is due to a combination of dryness (Vata) and heat (Pitta).

Reasoning: The fiber adds bulk, while its unctuous quality when cooked with oil pacifies Vata, and its cooling nature soothes Pitta.

Stanyajanana (Galactagogue)

Formulation: Bathua as a regular part of the postpartum diet.

Preparation & Use: Nursing mothers are encouraged to eat this green to support healthy and abundant milk production.

Reasoning: Its role as a supreme nutritive tonic provides the essential building blocks and hydration needed for lactation.

Krimi (Intestinal Worms) - Seed Use

Formulation: Seed powder (traditional, use with caution).

Preparation & Use: In some folk traditions, a preparation of the seeds is used to expel roundworms and tapeworms. This use is not common and requires caution due to saponin content.

Reasoning: Saponins can irritate the mucosal lining and paralyze parasites.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

A highly popular and delicious wild edible green. The leaves and shoots are sautéed, added to lentil dishes (dal), or made into the famous Bathua Raita (yogurt preparation) and Bathua Paratha (flatbread).

Nutritive Bathua Saag

Purpose: A classic strength-building dish.

Preparation & Use:

1. Clean and chop Bathua leaves.

2. Sauté with onions, garlic, green chilies, and cumin.

3. Cook until tender, mash slightly, and season. Serve with flatbread (roti) and a dollop of ghee.

Cooling Bathua Raita

Purpose: A Pitta-pacifying, digestive side dish.

Preparation & Use:

1. Blanch the leaves, squeeze out water, and chop finely.

2. Mix into whisked yogurt with roasted cumin powder, salt, and a pinch of black salt.

3. Serve cool with meals.

7. Disclaimer:

Chenopodium album is very safe and highly nutritious when consumed as a cooked vegetable in normal food amounts. However, due to its oxalic acid content, individuals with a history of oxalate kidney stones should consume it in moderation and ensure adequate hydration. The plant can accumulate nitrates if grown in nitrogen-rich soils, so sourcing from clean areas is ideal. The seeds have a higher saponin content and are not for routine consumption. As with any wild food, proper identification is essential to avoid toxic look-alikes. This information is for educational purposes.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

· Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

· Bhava Prakasha Nighantu (Sanskrit Text)

· Edible Wild Plants by John Kallas

· Wealth of India (Raw Materials) by CSIR

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Amaranthus viridis (Slender Amaranth, Chaulai)

· Species: Amaranthus viridis | Family: Amaranthaceae | Genus: Amaranthus

· Similarities: Both are wild, nutrient-dense leafy greens (often called "poor man's vegetables") used as blood tonics, for eye health, and as general nourishing foods. They are often foraged together and used interchangeably in cooking.

2. Spinacia oleracea (Spinach, Palak)

· Species: Spinacia oleracea | Family: Amaranthaceae | Genus: Spinacia

· Similarities: Both are iron-rich, cooling leafy greens from the same family, used to treat anemia and as digestive tonics. Spinach is cultivated, while Bathua is often wild, but they share a similar nutritional and medicinal niche.

3. Portulaca oleracea (Purslane, Kulfa)

· Species: Portulaca oleracea | Family: Portulacaceae | Genus: Portulaca

· Similarities: Another supremely nutritious wild edible weed. While Purslane is succulent and rich in omega-3s, both are traditional, cooling summer greens used for their mineral content, mild laxative, and anti-inflammatory properties.

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PREHEALING

Chenopodium album (Amaranthaceae) , Bathua, Lamb's Quarters

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