More than 10 Goosefoot plant benefits and medicinal uses

White goosefoot uses-Goosefoot plant benefits

Goosefoot plants, also known as pigweed, wild spinach, or goosefoot, are extremely nutritious, containing a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, and large amounts of vitamins A and C, to mention a few. In addition to being edible, this weed is abundant in protein and fiber.

Goosefoot can be used in a variety of DIY cures and has several medical uses. In addition to being incredibly high in important minerals and antioxidants, bathua is also incredibly high in vitamins A, C, and B. It is a good source of calcium, phosphorus, amino acids, potassium, iron, and potassium.

White goosefoot is a weedy annual plant that grows in abundance. Lamb’s quarters, Melde, pigweed, and Bathua are some of the other names for it. Northern India grows this plant as a food crop.
It’s a type of leafy vegetable. The soft stems and leaves are cooked and used in a variety of recipes. Because it includes a large level of oxalic acid, it should be used in moderation.

goosefoot
goosefoot

Stinking Goosefoot

Chenopodium vulvaria, sometimes known as stinking goosefoot, is a foul-smelling plant or weed. The plant belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family, which also includes other unappealing annual plants.

Chenopodium is derived from the Greek words chên, ‘oca,’ and ‘foot,’ and alludes to the fact that some species of this genus have leaves that resemble a goose’s foot.

Due to the presence of trimethylamine, the plant emits a noxious rotting fish odor. It is a bare-soil annual weed that is not tolerant of competition. It’s mostly found in disturbed soil and in waste areas along the sides of roads and walls. Stinking goosefoot is an annual herb that grows 10-60 cm tall and has a bad odor.

Hedgerows, bushes (nutrient-rich), caverns on lime slopes, salt marshes, pebbly beaches, ruderal sites, farm mess corners, fallow ground, waste heaps, vegetable gardens, roads, and walls are all places where the plant can be found. The plant prefers recycled soil that is somewhat moist, nutrient-rich, usually heavily fertilized, and often calcareous (sand, marl, and stony places). The stem is 5-10 cm long, erect, heavily branched, spreading, or ascending.

The stalked leaves are oval and wedge-shaped at the base, with a length of about 1/2 inch. Leaf-blades are grey-farinose beneath, greener above, 0.5-3 cm long, generally trullate or broadly ovate to oval, border entire, with a fairly acute angle on either margin at the broadest section in large leaves, base truncate to short attenuate, apex obtuse to acute.

It has little blooms that are arranged in axillary and terminal inflorescences. They have five 0.5-0.8 mm long farinaceous tepals, five stamens, and a pistol. Between June and October, they normally open. The blooms have no petals and are wind-fertilized. Its fruits are membranous, encircled by tepals, and contain a single dark brown, glistening seed with a shape resembling a saucepan with its lid and a diameter of 1-1.5 mm.

Goosefoot plant benefits

Antispasmodic and emenagogue, the whole plant is used to eliminate worms from the bowel.
It’s also used to treat fungal infections and to stimulate the heart.
It’s a type of acute gout treatment.
Hysteria and nervous problems associated with women’s ailments are treated with an infusion of dried leaves.
Wormseed oil is used to treat rheumatism, eczema, and bites in Chinese medicine.

Cooked leaves and flower buds are utilized in the same way that spinach is.
Only a minimal amount of raw leaves should be consumed.
Cooked and ground into a powder, the seed is blended with wheat or other grains and used to make bread and other baked goods.

More about Goosefoot

The leaves are eaten as a leafy vegetable in India, where they are cooked like any other Saag, curd Goosefoot raita, and Bathua paratha. Boil the leaves and consume them. The raita and paratha made from Bathua leaves are equally delicious. Goosefoot leaves are dried and processed into a powder that may be mixed in with normal flour.

Goosefoot ( Bathua ) seeds

Goosefoot seeds are ground into flour, which is then used to make bread. The seeds can also be prepared like rice and served with dal. Goosefoot seeds are nutritionally superior to wheat, rice, corn, millet, and buckwheat. The seeds are also used to make soup, oatmeal, cakes, a fermented beverage called Soora in Shimla, and an alcoholic drink called Ghanti. Animals and fowl are given seeds as a supplement.

Seeds are also used medicinally to improve appetite, remove parasitic infestations, and serve as an aphrodisiac, laxative, and general health tonic.

Water 84 g, calories 44 kcal, carbohydrate 7 g, fat 0.8 g, Protein 4.3 g, fiber 2.1 g, iron 4 g, Calcium 280 mg, Phosphorous 81 mg, Vitamin A 11, 300 IU, thiamine 0.15 mg, Riboflavin 0.4 mg, niacin 1.3 mg, and Vitamin C 90 mg per 100 g edible Goosefoot leaves

Energy 400 kcal, protein 16 g, fat 7 g, and carbohydrate 66 g per hundred grams of grown Goosefoot seeds

Medicinal use of Goosefoot

It is quite helpful in the treatment of kidney stones. Take 10-15 grams of tender leaves and branches of leaves, ground them to extract the juice, and take it with or without water once a day. Stone formation is also less likely as a result of this.

For internal swell
When Goosefoot is used internally, it aids in the reduction of interior edema.

External swelling can be treated by steaming Goosefoot leaves and applying them to the affected area.

For the treatment of jaundice
Take 25- 30 grams of Goosefoot and giloy ras mixed in equal parts twice a day.

Goosefoot Plant Essentials

Semi-shade to light shade / Filtered sunlight

Temperature \s16-24°C

Water
Maintain an even moisture level in the soil without allowing it to become soggy. In the winter, watering should be reduced. Mist leaves regularly.

Plant in compost made from soil. Hydroculture is also a viable option.

From spring until autumn, use a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks.

In a 6 to 8-inch pot, pot the plant. Repot every two to three years.

Other Information/Tip
Hanging baskets work well, but they should be rotated to guarantee even growth. To maintain it compact and bushy, prune it every year in the spring. Replace the top layer of compost in the spring when it reaches a fair size; do not report. It should be kept in a humid environment (bathroom or kitchen).

3 ft. maximum height

Are goosefoot plants poisonous?

Under rare circumstances, lethal levels of oxalate or nitrate compounds may be present in nettleleaf goosefoot. The arrowhead plant’s distinctive leaves and color patterns make it a popular and beautiful indoor plant.

Goosefoot plant benefits
Goosefoot plant benefits

Unfortunately, the sap’s adverse effects are harmful to both humans and pets. The toxic components in their sap, sometimes known as goosefoot plants, can cause skin irritation and vomiting.

Acute respiratory failure caused by the production of methemoglobin can result in sudden death. When more than 20% of hemoglobin is converted to methemoglobin, oxygen delivery in the blood is hindered, resulting in breathing problems. When methemoglobin levels exceed 60%, the animal dies, especially if it is stressed.

If pregnant animals consume plants/forage containing more than 1% nitrate, they may abort at any stage of their pregnancy.

In Gardens, How to Get Rid of Nettleleaf Goosefoot

Gardening with nettleleaf goosefoot is a little more difficult. While a broadleaf herbicide will kill the weed, it will also destroy the plants in your garden. Pulling weeds is the only dependable method of removing weeds from the garden while leaving your plants unharmed. Pull as much of the roots as you can when you’re pulling. If you wait too long before pulling the plants, the roots will spread and intertwine with the roots of other plants in the garden.

Discovering the Ayurvedic Benefits of Bathua (Goosefoot)

In this comprehensive article, we delve into the fascinating world of “Bathua” or “Goosefoot” and explore its numerous Ayurvedic benefits. Bathua, scientifically known as Chenopodium album, is a lesser-known leafy green vegetable that has been an integral part of Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. With its abundance of nutrients and healing properties, Bathua deserves recognition and appreciation for its contribution to overall health and well-being.

Understanding Bathua: Nature’s Nutrient Powerhouse

Bathua leaves are a rich source of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, iron, and fiber. These nutrients play a pivotal role in promoting various bodily functions, bolstering the immune system, and combating deficiencies. The presence of antioxidants further enhances its health benefits, making Bathua a potent ally in the journey towards a healthier lifestyle.

Ayurvedic Benefits of Bathua

1. Detoxification and Digestion

Bathua possesses natural detoxifying properties that aid in flushing out harmful toxins from the body. It supports the liver in its detoxification processes, thus improving overall digestive health. Regular consumption of Bathua leaves can alleviate issues such as indigestion, bloating, and constipation.

2. Boosting Immunity

A robust immune system is essential to combat various infections and diseases. Bathua, with its high vitamin C content, helps strengthen the body’s defense mechanisms, keeping illnesses at bay. Additionally, its antibacterial properties contribute to a healthier immune system.

3. Managing Weight and Cholesterol

For those on a weight management journey, Bathua can be a valuable addition to their diet. Its low-calorie and high-fiber nature helps in weight control. Furthermore, the presence of soluble fiber aids in reducing cholesterol levels, promoting heart health.

4. Anti-inflammatory Properties

Inflammation is a common underlying factor in many health conditions. Bathua contains anti-inflammatory compounds that help in reducing inflammation, providing relief from ailments like arthritis and joint pain.

5. Regulating Blood Pressure

Potassium, found abundantly in Bathua leaves, is known to regulate blood pressure. Regular consumption can assist in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and reducing the risk of hypertension.

6. Skin and Hair Health

The vitamins and antioxidants present in Bathua contribute to healthier skin and hair. Incorporating it into your diet can enhance the overall appearance and texture of your skin and promote lustrous hair.

How to Incorporate Bathua into Your Diet

Adding Bathua to your meals is a simple and enjoyable process. Here are some delicious and nutritious ways to make the most of this wonderful vegetable:

  1. Bathua Saag: Prepare a delectable saag (puree) using Bathua leaves, spinach, and a blend of Indian spices. It pairs perfectly with warm rotis or rice.
  2. Bathua Raita: Mix finely chopped Bathua leaves with yogurt, and season it with roasted cumin seeds, black salt, and a pinch of red chili powder. This refreshing raita is an ideal accompaniment to your main course.
  3. Bathua Paratha: Incorporate the goodness of Bathua into your breakfast by making flavorful parathas. Knead wheat flour with blanched and chopped Bathua leaves to create a wholesome and nutritious meal.
  4. Bathua Smoothie: Blend fresh Bathua leaves with fruits like bananas, mangoes, and a dash of honey to create a delicious and nutrient-packed smoothie.

FAQs About Bathua

  1. Is Bathua good for everyone?
    • Yes, generally, Bathua is safe for all, but remember, moderation is key.
  2. Can you eat Bathua raw?
    • Absolutely! Tossing fresh Bathua leaves into salads is a tasty way to enjoy its goodness.
  3. Any allergies to watch out for with Bathua?
    • While rare, some people may be allergic. Start with small amounts and keep an eye out for any reactions.
  4. Is Bathua safe for pregnant women?
    • Pregnant women should check with their doctor before making big diet changes, including adding Bathua.
  5. How to keep Bathua fresh?
    • Store it in the fridge, preferably in a plastic bag with a bit of moisture.

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