Useful properties and contraindications of quinoa herb, traditional medicine recipes

Nature has provided humanity with a large number of valuable plants that have a beneficial effect on the body. The use of quinoa, its beneficial properties and possible contraindications are taken into account in the treatment of various diseases. At the same time, the plant is widely used in cooking, especially in a vegetarian diet and for weight loss, due to the high protein content in the plant.

Short description

Garden quinoa is an upright, annual herb. The trunk is characterized by branching. The height of the plant is up to 180 centimeters. The foliage is distributed alternately on the trunk, different in appearance, elongated, thin, with characteristic notches, and emerald hue. Below is a milky leaf plate.

Depending on the species, the foliage can be yellow or red. It has a sour taste. Flowers are green or red. Quinoa seeds are brownish or black. The plant is monoecious; there are male and female inflorescences on the bush. They are small, green or reddish in color, the inflorescences are presented in the form of panicles or spikelets. Blooms throughout the summer, depending on the region of growth.

Chemical composition

The beneficial effect on the body is due to its rich composition. Swan contains:

• vitamin complex: C, P, E, PP, A, B vitamins (B₁, IN₂, IN₄, IN₅, IN₉);
• amino acids, at least 17 types, some of which are not synthesized in the body;
• elements: iron, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, calcium, copper, zinc, sodium;
• organic acids;
• pectin;
• saponins;
• essential oils;
• protein;
• cellulose.

The composition of valuable substances and their quantity varies depending on the place of growth.

Varieties of Quinoa

The following varieties of quinoa are distinguished:

• wild quinoa - up to 70 centimeters in height, the trunk is erect or creeping, the shoots are located horizontally or directed upwards. A filmy coating is visible along the entire length of the branch, the leaf blades are elongated or triangular, the shade is gray-green, sometimes reddish;
• Tatarian quinoa is a plant up to a meter tall, annual, with an upright or lying trunk. The leaves are elongated, slightly oval, serrated, covered with villi; the flowers form spikelets bordered by leaves;
• head quinoa - up to 60 centimeters in height, creeping stem, by the end of summer changes color from greenish to red. The leaves are triangular or oval, the flowers form small balls, the female flowers have no perianth;
• quinoa spear-shaped - up to one meter high, the trunk is partially bare, moderately branched, the leaf plates are uniform on both sides, spear-shaped, attached to the trunk oppositely, the flowers are collected in small balls;
• elongated quinoa - up to one meter high, the leaves are triangular, oblong, green in color, the flowers are also green, collected in small balls;
• coastal quinoa - up to 70 centimeters in height, the trunk is partially bare, branched with shoots directed upward, oval-shaped leaves, narrowed at the base, flowers form elongated spikelets, it is used as food instead of spinach;
• spreading quinoa - up to 1.5 meters tall, branched trunk, leaves with smooth and jagged edges, elongated, with a green tint, the lower tier of leaves are spear-shaped. The flowers are green, collected in spikelets;
• arrow-shaped quinoa - up to 1.5 meters in height, the stem is erect, branched, the top of the leaf blade is green, the lower part is silver, depending on the tier, the leaves have a sharp end, heart-shaped or oval, with smooth sides.

Important! White quinoa appears to be edible, but it is poisonous.

When even a small amount is consumed, intoxication, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain and diarrhea occur.

How is it useful?

The medicinal qualities of quinoa have been used for a long time in alternative medicine. The benefits of the green part and seeds for the body are expressed in the beneficial effects of vitamins, minerals and other valuable compounds present in the plant.

For the bones

Due to the presence of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium in quinoa, it helps strengthen bone tissue and prevent the occurrence of osteoporosis. Protein is involved in the formation of muscle mass. Vitamins activate regeneration processes.

For the heart and blood vessels

The presence of iron in the plant ensures a high level of red blood cells and hemoglobin. The high content of potassium and rutin has a beneficial effect on the heart, prevents sclerosis, heart attack, and lowers blood pressure. Fiber helps remove cholesterol and normalizes blood flow.

Used as a hemostatic agent. Used as a decoction, the course of treatment is no more than 2 weeks, after a break - 2 weeks, then a second course.

For the brain and nerves

The presence of copper, zinc, and iron in quinoa ensures proper functioning of the brain and the entire nervous system. When consumed, fatigue and irritation are relieved and depression is prevented. In people suffering from Parkinson's disease, tremors stop and drowsiness disappears.

For eyes

Eye health is ensured by carotenoids and anthocyanins present in the green part of the plant, which prevent the formation of macular degeneration.

For the bronchi

An infusion and decoction of the green part of quinoa helps eliminate inflammation in the oral cavity (gums and throat), eliminates unpleasant odor, and is used to treat the throat, for diseases of the upper respiratory tract, and bronchi, since it has an expectorant and antitussive effect. The decoction thins mucus and promotes its removal.

For the gastrointestinal tract

With proper use of fresh leaves and decoction, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract improves. Quinoa helps eliminate constipation, cleanses the body, improves liver function, and has an antispasmodic effect. Consumed in the form of juice and fresh leaves.

For kidneys and bladder

The plant is a diuretic, it helps stimulate urination, improves kidney function, and removes excess water, salt, and toxins.

For the reproductive system

Quinoa also has a beneficial effect on the female body. Possessing antispasmodic properties, it relieves menstrual pain.

For skin

Thanks to its antioxidant properties, the plant slows down the aging process, which is also reflected on the skin. Stimulates collagen production, activates regeneration processes in the body. It has a wound-healing, bactericidal effect, and relieves inflammation.

For immunity

Quinoa has a general strengthening effect: it improves immunity, cleanses of toxins, and neutralizes free radicals. The plant's blood purifying properties are known. The effectiveness is checked using a blood test.

Areas of application

Due to its taste and medicinal properties, the plant is widely used.

In cooking

The garden type is most often used. Used young, before flowering. Leaves scalded with boiling liquid are used to make purees, omelettes, soups, cabbage soup, and used as a filling for pies. Fresh quinoa is added to salads.

Young shoots with leaves can be fermented, just like cabbage is prepared. The seeds do not contain gluten and are used to make porridge. After consumption, the feeling of fullness persists for a long time.

The plant has gained great popularity in vegetarian menus and for weight loss. Thanks to the high protein content, the feeling of fullness is maintained for a long time, the body receives important vitamins, elements and valuable compounds.

In folk medicine

The medicinal qualities of the plant are used in folk medicine (traditional medicine does not use them) to prevent the development of various types of diseases and their treatment. In addition to the above diseases, it is used for diabetes and obesity. Take in the form of infusions, decoctions, juice.

Side effects, contraindications

Despite the described positive effects, the plant has a number of contraindications for use:

• damage to the digestive organs of a chronic nature;
• urolithiasis;
• tendency to bleeding, poor blood clotting.

Excessive consumption of seeds in their pure form can be harmful. Provokes long-term stomach upset, attacks of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. In some cases, the risk of gastritis and stomach ulcers increases.

For your information! Quinoa is a strong allergen. Some people prone to allergies experience negative symptoms of pollen during the flowering period.

Traditional medicine recipes: how to use quinoa

Medicinal plants can be beneficial, but they can also cause harm. It is necessary to take them carefully, adhere to the proportion of preparation of infusions or decoctions, and also follow the course of administration.

Decoction of quinoa seeds

The seeds of the plant are used to prepare a decoction. Preparation proportions: 15-20 grams per 210 milliliters of water.

For preparation:

1. Pour boiling liquid over the seeds. Boil for a quarter of an hour.
2. After cooling, strain.

Porridge made from quinoa seeds is similar to buckwheat. It relieves colitis. After 4-5 days of use, constipation goes away and the skin clears. Ground seeds can be added to soups and baking flour.Just before use, it is recommended to soak it in water for 2-3 hours to remove the bitterness.

Alcohol tincture of quinoa

Necessary:

• dry raw materials - 2 tablespoons;
• alcohol – 150 milliliters.

Cooking sequence:

1. Place the herb in a dark container and add alcohol.
2. Leave in a dark place for two weeks, shaking occasionally.
3. Strain through a cloth. Pour into a dark glass bottle and store in a dark place.

Quinoa juice

To obtain juice, you need to use the stem part and foliage of young quinoa. To better separate the juice, it is recommended to soak the chopped parts of the plant for 2-3 hours in cold water. Pass the raw materials through a meat grinder or grind with a blender, then place in a cloth and squeeze. Take 15 milliliters three times a day.

Quinoa juice improves peristalsis and helps cleanse the intestines. When used externally, it heals wounds. Place the pulp from making juice in a cloth or gauze bag, apply to the wound, and use in the treatment of boils.

Steamed quinoa is widely used. It is used to reduce pain during radiculitis and eliminate signs of swelling. Fix the compress overnight.

Herbal decoction

To prepare a decoction from the plant, dry raw materials are used. Used internally and externally: as lotions, compresses, gargling. It also helps get rid of bad breath if it is not the cause of internal organ disease.

1. Chop the stems and leaf blades.
2. Pour 240 milliliters of boiling liquid over a tablespoon of raw materials and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. After cooling, strain and squeeze out the cake.
4. Drink 40-50 milliliters three times a day.

How to collect and store quinoa?

It is recommended to collect raw materials away from the city and busy roads.Quinoa is harvested before the flowering period. It is at this time that the plant is saturated with valuable components, the leaves are especially tender.

The seeds of the plant also have healing properties. They are collected as they ripen, dried and stored for up to 3 years. To make harvesting easier, tie and hang mature quinoa branches. Spread paper or fabric underneath them. The plant dries out and the seeds fall off.

To preserve its unique qualities, it is necessary to dry quinoa in a well-ventilated place, out of direct sunlight: in the attic, under a canopy. Raw materials are stored in cotton bags or glass containers.