## 9 Uses of _Amarantthus_ in Asia  
In India, _Amarantthus_ is a common wild vegetable. It is a weed that is cultivated and commonly known as \"_Chowlai_.\" Notably, _Amarantthus_ holds a vital role in Asian traditional (herbal) medicine. For example, _Amarantthus_ spinous juice has been extracted and used by the tribe of Kerala to prevent swelling around the stomach, while the leaves are boiled alone and consumed for 2-3 days for curing jaundice [49]. Additionally, in Asia, the plant ash in a solution is used to wash sores, and the plant sap is used as an eyewash to treat ophthalmia as well as convulsions in children. In the Indian traditional system of medicine (Ayurveda), the plant is used as a febrifuge (medicine that reduces fever), laxative (a drug that stimulated bowel evacuation) effective diuretic (a drug that effectively stimulates passing out of urine) [49; 100]. The Himalayans region consumed _Amarantthus_ grain as a minor cereal. Moreover, its usage in food preparation, it is a popular medicinal plant used to treat bronchitis, appetizer, biliousness, galactagogue, _hematinic_, stomach effects, nausea, flatulence, anorexia, blood diseases, burning sensation, _leucorrhoea_, leprosy, piles, and as a treatment for hallucination, healing of wounds and rheumatism as well as arrest the coughing up of blood. All parts of the plant are known to contain medicinally active constituents [101; 102]. An infusion of _Amarantthus_ leaves is used by Sikkim when there is a stomach disorder, such as indigestion and anemia. Ethnic use of this plant is mainly with village people of Sikkim [41; 103]. Likewise, in India, the root extract is given as a vermicide among the Santhali and Paharia in eastern Bihar, while an aqueous decoction of the plant is given to check chronic diarrhea in Southern Orissa [41]. In addition, the Nepalese and some tribes in India apply _Amaranthus_ spinous to induce abortion. Moreover, _Amaranthus_ seeds are eaten raw in India and other places, it is mixed with other grains or processed into flour and is used to make food products. Some species have been used in desert areas of India, where the seeds of these species have been used as famine foods) [27]. Similarly, in South-East Asia, a decoction of the root is used to treat gonorrhea and is also applied as an emmenagogue (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow) and antipyretic (an active medical substance that reduces fever) [103]. In mainland South-East Asia, the rainy season is linked with malaria-endemic. Hence, _Amaranthus_ spinous bark decoction is taken in a volume of about one liter three times a day where malaria is prevalent. In India, the leaves of _Amaranthus caudatus_ are used as a tea to relieve pulmonary problems and piles. They are used in the purification of blood, strangury in scrofula, and as a diuretic. The boiled leaves are used to trat swellings and stomach upset [13]. Other Asian countries have used _Amaranthus_: in traditional medicine, _Amaranthus_ spinous is used to treat diarrhea. The root is also used for treating toothaches; in South east, in Malaysia, _Amaranthus_ spinous is used as a cough syrup for relieving affected breathing in acute bronchitis [49]. The Chinese also use _Amaranthus_ spinous in traditional medicine to treat diabetes. The seeds are used as a poultice for broken bones, smooth paste of leaves and roots have been explored as cataplasm, for a relief from skin diseases/disorders, such as abscesses, bruises, burn, eczema, inflammation, gonorrhea, menorrhagia and wound [49]. Still in Asia _Amaranthus_ root paste with equivalent volume of honey has been used to control vomiting and, when mixed with sugar and water it helps in controlling dysentery. A mixture with black pepper in ration 1:3 that is (a part black pepper and 3 parts root paste) is administered twice daily, for tackling rabies [49].