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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.


CELOSIA
AMARANTHACEAE
aka Cockscomb (C. cristata), Quail Grass (C. argentea)
(Celosia cristata and Celosia argentea)
[ji-guan-hua] (C. cristata) and [qing xiang] (C. argentea)
c.cristata c.argentea
Images

FYI Both are plants of Asia best known as ornamental annuals. §

CONTAINS: Based on Zero Moisture per 100 grams leaves contain: 19.8% ash, 1605 mg calcium, 265 mg phosphorus, 48 mg iron.
SEEDS contain: protein, fat, potassium nitrate, nicotinic acid, ash.

PROPAGATION By SEED. Ornamental annual.
PART USED Whole plant
FORM Decoction


MEDICINAL USES:
♦ Both plants are used interchangeably in Chinese Medicine with a few exceptions which are noted. In Chinese medicine few herbs are ever used alone. They are usually combined with other herbs to assist, to counterbalance, or to taste. Celosia is often combined with Chrysanthemum flowers (C. morifolium or C. indicum).
In Chinese medicine the SEEDS are considered demulcent, antipyretic, alterative, astringent, opthalmic, vulnerary; affect the liver.
The whole plant has been used for dysentary, coughs, spitting up blood, excessive menstruation, amenorrhea, intestinal bleeding, bleeding from the lungs, female disorders, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, blood diseases, mouth sores, retinal hemorrhage, conjuntivitis, eye diseases, eye and liver problems (C. argentea), and to lower blood pressure (C. cristata).
The SEEDS have been used for blurred vision, eye inflammation, eyes bothered by bright light, headache, intestinal worms, painful urination, cough, dysentary, bleeding and diarrhea (C. argentea).
The LEAF STALKS have been used as a poultice for sores, wounds, boils, swellings.
The FLOWERS of C. argentea have been used for spitting up blood, atypical uterine bleeding, and dysentary. FLOWER TOPS have been used for amenorrhea, dysentary, spitting up blood, hemorrhoids, leukorrhea, and atypical uterine bleeding. The SEEDS of C. argentea have been used as a poultice on broken bones.
LEAVES and FLOWERS have been used for diarrhea and dysmenorrhea.
Claimed to be an aphrodisiac in Asian cultures.

DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY
!All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!
SEEDS (in decoction form) = 3 to 15 grams



©2001 & 2006 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

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