Mexican Spinach (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)

Mexican Spinach (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is a member of the Amaranthaceae family, native to Central America, Northern South America, and The Caribbean. Traditionally, its leaves, seeds, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and culinary uses.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Mexican Spinach (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Mexican Spinach (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Mexican Spinach
Scientific Name	Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Plant Family	Amaranthaceae
Genus	Amaranthus
Species	hypochondriacus
Native Range	Central America, Northern South America, The Caribbean
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Seeds, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Culinary Use

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Common Name: Mexican Spinach
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Red Amaranth, Red Amaranth, Lovegrass
Plant Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Amaranthus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with smooth margins, upper surface glaucous green, lower surface pale green, and prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are spike-like clusters with actinomorphic flowers having five pink to red petals and five green sepals, each with a distinct midvein.
Stems: Erect, branched, herbaceous stems with opposite leaves and smooth, glabrous surfaces.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Culinary Use
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a cooling tonic, for foundational support.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a mild diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Astringent: Historically regarded as a moderate astringent, for surface-level applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Anthocyanin: Pigment molecules widely distributed in colored plant tissues.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Culinary Use: Leaves, flowers, or roots are used as ingredients in culinary preparations.
Powder: Plant parts are dried and mechanically reduced to a powdered form.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.