Marisha (Marisha (Bapshpa, Marsha))

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Hepatoprotection, Antimicrobial activity

Dosage

There is no standard dosage established for Amaranthus tricolor. A study on mice used edible amaranth leaf extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of body weight. Traditional wisdom emphasizes seasonal use, ideally in warmer months. Consumption of up to 200g per day is not likely to cause adverse nutritional effects. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or Ayurvedic practitioner before using Amaranthus tricolor in a medicinal context, especially if considering extracts or concentrated forms.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Sweet
• Virya: ["Cooling"]
• Vipaka: ["Sweet"]

Benefits

• Constipating
• Alleviates Pitta

Traditional uses

• Culinary: The leaves, stems, and seeds are edible and consumed raw or cooked. It is used as a leafy vegetable in many cuisines. The soft stems can be cooked like asparagus.
• Medicinal (Traditional): Used for diarrhea, dysentery, bronchitis and hemorrhagic conditions in Ayurveda and Siddha medicine.
• Medicinal (Traditional): Believed to have a cooling property and used for heat-related ailments and as a mild diuretic.
• Medicinal (Traditional): Historically used for digestive issues, anemia, fatigue, and to treat wounds and skin irritations.
• Medicinal (Traditional): Used against external inflammation and bladder distress in folk medicine.
• Medicinal (Traditional): A decoction of very old plants is taken internally to improve vision and strengthen the liver.
• Nutritional: Source of nutrients, minerals, amino acids, and phytochemicals. Contains protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins (A, B2, B6, K, C, folate), and minerals (iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium). Also contains antioxidants.
• Other: Used to obtain yellow and green dyes. Grown as an ornamental plant.

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: decreasing

Preparation methods

• Cooking: The leaves can be steamed, boiled, or sautéed. Cooking in ample water can remove toxic components.
• Infusion: Leaf infusions have been used for gastrointestinal discomfort.
• Poultice: Leaves have been applied as poultices for minor wounds and skin irritations.
• Powder: Leaves can be dried and ground into a powder. The powder can be used to make value-added products.
• Raw: The leaves are occasionally eaten raw in salads.
• Other recipes: Sautéed with spices, garlic, and onions. It can be added to bread, muffins, or pancake recipes.

Contraindications

• General herb cautions: It's generally advised to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before taking any herbal medicine.
• Dosage and duration: Taking high doses of certain Ayurvedic herbs or taking them for a longer period can lead to side effects.
• Underlying conditions: Exercise caution when prescribing herbs for patients with impaired heart, liver, or kidney function, elderly patients, pregnant women, and those who have received an organ transplant.
• Surgery: It is often recommended to stop taking all herbs approximately one week before surgery.
• Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions between herbal remedies and drugs such as antihypertensives and antidiabetic drugs. Ayurvedic herbs may have synergistic or antagonistic interactions with psychiatric drugs.
• Adulteration: Adulteration, inappropriate formulation, or lack of understanding of plant and drug interactions have led to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening or lethal.
• Allergy: Rarely severe allergy has been reported.

Side effects

• Moderate consumption is generally considered safe for most healthy individuals.
• Some people may experience bloating, watery stools, or sinus heaviness.
• The plant contains oxalates, which may exacerbate kidney stone formation in individuals with pre-existing kidney issues.
• Nitrate accumulation is possible, especially when grown in nitrogen-rich soil. Excessive nitrate intake has been loosely associated with methemoglobinemia in infants, although this is rare.
• Tannins in the plant may have a negative effect on the gastric mucosa.

Interactions

• If you're taking iron supplements, the non-heme iron in Amaranthus tricolor is absorbed better when paired with vitamin C and healthy fats, and not on an empty stomach.
• Calcium and iron absorption can influence each other. Consuming large amounts of calcium (>2500mg/day) may interfere with iron absorption.
• Pregnant and lactating women should consult a healthcare professional before use. In some rural traditions, it's cautiously avoided in the first trimester due to its perceived uterine-cooling effect, though there is no scientific data to confirm this.

Clinical evidence

Animal studies suggest potential benefits of Amaranthus tricolor in managing anemia and supporting liver health. Human studies do not support the use of amaranth for cholesterol management over a low-fat diet.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Constipating
• Alleviates Pitta
• Promotes bowel movement