HERBAL GARDEN
मारिष रक्त (Marish Rakt)
Classification
Synoyms
Rakta Tanduliyaka, Lal Marisha, Shweta Chaulai (regional), Marisha Rakt
Habit
An annual herb, erect or spreading, succulent, growing 50–120 cm tall. Cultivated both as a leafy vegetable and for medicinal purposes.
Habitat
Widely distributed in India, particularly in Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha. Grows in cultivated fields, gardens, moist soils, and along riverbanks.
Morphology
- Stem: Erect, branched, red or reddish-green, smooth and succulent.
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Leaves: Alternate, simple, ovate to lanceolate, reddish-green, long-petioled, slightly hairy.
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Flowers: Small, greenish to purplish-red, in axillary or terminal spikes.
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Fruits: Small utricles, each containing a single seed.
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Seeds: Tiny, round, black or dark brown, edible.
- Root: Fibrous taproot system.
Chemical Composition
Proteins and essential amino acids
Minerals: Iron, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium
Vitamins: A, C, E
Flavonoids: Quercetin, Kaempferol
Polyphenols, Saponins, Tannins
Carbohydrates and dietary fiber
These constituents make it nutritive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood-purifying.
Guna-Karma
Rasa- Kashaya , Tikta, Madhura
Guna- Laghu, Snigdha
Virya- Sheeta
Vipaka- Madhura
Karma- Pittahara,
Dahashamana,
Raktaprasadaka,
Shothahara,
Jvaraghna,
Vranaropaka,
Mutrala, Balya
Doshakarma- Pacifies Pitta and Vata dosha, slightly increases Kapha.
Medicinal uses
Useful in Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), burning micturition, and fever
Leaf juice or decoction relieves inflammation, ulcers, and skin disorders
Seeds and leaves are nutritive, strengthen body, and improve blood quality
Fresh leaves used as vegetable for anemia and general weakness
Acts as cooling agent in Pitta-related disorders
Useful Part
Leaves, Seeds, Whole Plant
Doses
Swarasa (Juice): 10–20 ml
Churna (Powder): 3–6 g
Kwatha (Decoction): 30–50 ml
Fresh Leaves: Used as vegetable or applied as paste externally
Important Formulation
Rakta Tanduliyaka Churna
Pitta-shamak kwatha
Vranaropaka lepa (for wounds and ulcers)
Balya preparations using tender leaves for anemia and weakness
Shloka
रक्ततण्डुलीयकं शीतलं पित्तदाहविनाशनम्।
रक्तपित्तं ज्वरं चैव शामयेत् पाचनं परम्
Hindi Name
Marish Rakt, Lal Chaulai, Rakt Marisha
English Name
Red Amaranth, Bengal Amaranth
Botanical Name
Amaranthus gangeticus Linn.
Family
Amaranthaceae