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Thrown back shiritsa is a weed that everyone must have come across. It grows quite quickly, which creates a lot of trouble for the summer resident. But is this weed so useless? You will learn the answer from our today’s article.
Description and distribution of the plant
The plant has several names: amaranth, velvet, rubella, candlestick. It appeared in South America, where the grass was grown as a grain crop. However, the plant was not popular in all countries. For example, in Spain, the upturned amaranth was considered a plant of evil spirits, so its cultivation was prohibited.
This herbaceous plant is an annual. The field grass has a rather thick stem, growing up to 0,9 cm in height. A characteristic feature of the weed is its burgundy-purple leaves, pointed towards the end.
In total, there are about 100 varieties of herbaceous plants, most of which are weeds. However, some species bred during breeding are decorative. The most popular varieties of shiritsa are:
- ordinary;
- thrown back;
- crepes;
- white amaranth;
- shunt
The herbaceous plant is distributed almost throughout the globe, except for regions with low temperatures. Most often, shiritsu can be found in the tropics of America, Australia, Asia, and Africa.
Video “What is useful amaranth”
From this video you will learn about the beneficial properties of amaranth.
Chemical composition and medicinal properties
The upturned shiritsa has a rather rich chemical composition:
- carbohydrates;
- phytosterols;
- amino acids;
- potassium;
- magnesium.
The leaves of the plant contain more protein than wheat. That is why the culture is especially appreciated in China, using it on a par with seafood.
The rich chemical composition of the plant determines the presence of useful properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- diuretic;
- laxatives.
Velvet is indispensable in the case of:
- stomatitis;
- oncological diseases;
- gastritis;
- cystitis;
- diabetes mellitus;
- atherosclerosis;
- anemia.
Shiritsa-Based Recipes
Given the beneficial properties that amaranth possesses, the weed can be considered a medicinal herb. That is why it is popular in traditional medicine.
Juice
Shiritsa is considered one of the most effective ways to combat inflammation of the oral cavity. Grass juice must be combined with drinking water in a ratio of 1:5. Rinse the mouth with the solution twice a day.
The juice can also be taken orally. To do this, it is mixed with sour cream in a ratio of 1: 1. Use 3 times a day for 1 tbsp. l. after eating. The tool is effective for diabetes, discomfort in the liver, gastritis.
Decoction from the roots
A decoction of dried grass roots is effective as an anthelmintic agent. In addition, such a drink will have a beneficial effect on the activity of the cardiovascular and genitourinary systems, improve the general condition of the body.
15-20 g of crushed marigold roots must be poured with 250 g of boiling water and insisted for 40 minutes in a water bath. After the broth has cooled, it should be taken in 3 tbsp. l. twice a day.
Infusion of leaves
Infusions based on dry marigold leaves can normalize blood glucose levels and effectively fight diabetes.
To prepare the infusion, pour 20 g of leaves into 300 g of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes in a water bath. When the drink has cooled, it should be filtered. It is recommended to use the infusion twice a day for 2-3 tbsp. l.
Tincture on alcohol
In case of problems with the genitourinary system, alcohol tincture of amaranth will be effective. It is necessary to take flowers and leaves of grass and pour them with vodka. The mass should be infused for about 2-3 weeks in a dark, cool place. The remedy is taken in 1 tsp. before meals.
Oil of amaranth
Amaranth oil is rich in vitamins, the main of which is vitamin D. Thus, a product prepared using the oil of this herb has a beneficial effect on the skin, nails and hair. A positive effect is observed in the state of blood vessels, the functioning of the endocrine system. Also, the tool contributes to the active removal of toxins and cholesterol from the body.
Oil is consumed in a teaspoon twice a day before meals.
Bath decoction
In the case of dermatological diseases, a decoction for baths with velvet leaves and inflorescences will be an excellent solution. 0,5 kg of raw materials must be poured with 2,5 liters of boiling water. The mass is boiled over low heat, cooled slightly and poured into the bath. This procedure should not last longer than half an hour.
Anti-aging mixture
A mixture that includes amaranth, St. John’s wort, chamomile and birch buds will be an excellent way to get rid of toxins. 20 g of the composition must be poured with 0,5 liters of boiling water. After the mass has been infused for 2-3 hours, it should be filtered. Use the remedy with a small amount of honey twice a day.
Weed harm to humans and agriculture
In addition to its useful properties as a medicinal herb, amaranth causes significant harm to crops and humans. The main negative factors are:
- “Pulling” from the soil of all nutrients and moisture. Weed grass consumes much more useful components contained in the soil than fruit and ornamental crops. As a result, garden plants do not receive enough nutrition and moisture.
- Darkening garden plantings. Velvet is a fairly tall plant. Reaching a height of 1 m, the weed creates a shadow. Agricultural crops are experiencing a lack of sunlight. As a result, the process of photosynthesis slows down.
- The spread of dangerous insect pests and fungal diseases. Shiritsa, as a rule, is resistant to various diseases, which cannot be said about neighboring plants.
- Parasitism. In addition to the fact that the weed absorbs all the nutrients from the soil, it can also parasitize cultivated plants.
- Allergic reactions. Shiritsa, like many other weeds, can provoke a severe allergic reaction.
Effective control measures
Given the degree of damage that amaranth can cause to a summer cottage, gardeners are often interested in methods for destroying weeds.
Mechanical removal
This is the most common fighting method. The gardener digs up the beds, manually picking the weed. It is important to choose the grass along with the roots. It is recommended to do this procedure until the velvet flower blooms.
Biological methods
The method consists in mulching the soil. The material is often used cardboard, roofing felt or black plastic film. Light does not penetrate under the mulch, therefore, weed seeds do not germinate.
Chemical methods
This method is applicable only in those areas of the garden where cultural plantings do not grow. The most effective garden chemicals are:
- “Tornado”;
- “Hurricane”;
- “Glyphos”.
The degree of toxicity of chemicals is quite high, so it is recommended to use them only in critical situations.
Author’s advice
Measures to prevent the occurrence
To prevent the spread of weeds in the garden plot, preventive measures should be observed:
- Use material that does not contain seeds as mulch.
- Do not apply fresh manure. The velvet seeds contained in it are viable.
- If a weed appears, it must be cut off in a state of sprout.
Shiritsa cannot be considered a useless weed. Proper use of leaves, flowers and roots can have a beneficial effect on the body. However, amaranth growing in the garden can cause significant damage to crops.