Gomphrena globosa, commonly known as Globe Amaranth, is a perennial herb from the Amaranthaceae family. Native to Central America, it's widely grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions. The plant is known for its distinctive, clover-like flower heads that can be white, pink, magenta, purple, or red. These vibrant blooms are popular in dried flower arrangements because they retain their color and shape for a very long time, giving rise to its common name, "immortelle."
Name in Different Countries & Terminology The name of this herb varies significantly across cultures, often reflecting its appearance or use. Here are some of the most common names:
English: Globe Amaranth, Bachelor's Button, Immortelle, Wax Work.
Sanskrit & Hindi: "रक्तमल्लिका (rakthamallika)," which translates to "blood jasmine," likely due to its red or purple flowers.
Japanese: "Sennichikou" (センニチコウ), meaning "1,000-day flower," referencing its long-lasting blossoms.
Tamil: "Vadamalli" (வாடாமல்லி), meaning "unfading flower."
Malayalam: "VaaDaamalli" (വാടാമല്ലി) and "rakthamallika" (രക്തമല്ലിക), with similar meanings to the Tamil and Sanskrit names.
Nepali: "Makhamali" (मखमली), which means "velvet," describing the texture of the flower heads.
Spanish: "Suspiro" (sigh) or "Don Diego Morado" (purple Don Diego).
Malay: "Pokok Butang Ungu" (purple button tree), describing the shape and color of the flower heads.
Thai: "Baan Mai Roo Roy" (บานไม่รู้โรย), which means "bloom without wilting."
Availability
Gomphrena globosa is readily available worldwide, primarily as a garden ornamental. You can find seeds and young plants at most nurseries and garden centers, especially in warmer climates. As a medicinal herb, it's available in various forms, including:
Dried flowers: Often used for making teas, decoctions, or tinctures.
Teas: Pre-packaged herbal teas containing dried Globe Amaranth flowers.
Herbal supplements: Sometimes found as an ingredient in capsules or powders, often combined with other herbs.
Fresh plant: For those who grow it, the fresh leaves, flowers, and whole plant can be used.
External Look
The plant is a tender annual that grows in an upright, bushy form, reaching heights of 1 to 2 feet. The stems are typically hairy and branched. The leaves are simple, opposite, oval-shaped, and a vibrant green. The most striking feature is the flower head, which is a globose or clover-like cluster of small, papery bracts. These bracts are the long-lasting "petals" and come in shades of magenta, pink, purple, red, or white. The true flowers are tiny and inconspicuous, nested within the colorful bracts.
Healing Properties
Gomphrena globosa has been used in traditional medicine for its diverse healing properties, which are attributed to its active compounds. Some of the key properties include:
Expectorant: Helps to clear mucus from the respiratory system, making it useful for coughs and bronchitis.
Diuretic: Increases urine production, which can help with conditions like oliguria (low urine output) and can support kidney health.
Depurative: Believed to purify the blood and detoxify the body.
Hypotensive: May help to lower blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory: The presence of flavonoids and other compounds may help reduce inflammation.
Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest it has properties that fight against certain bacteria and fungi.
Advantages
The use of Globe Amaranth offers several advantages:
Rich in Bioactive Compounds: It contains beneficial compounds like gomphrenin, amaranthin, and flavonoids, which are responsible for its medicinal effects.
Traditional Use: Its long history of use in various cultures suggests a degree of safety and efficacy for traditional ailments.
Versatility: The whole plant, including leaves, flowers, and roots, can be used for different preparations.
Accessibility: It's an easy-to-grow plant, making it a sustainable and accessible home remedy for many.
Uses
In traditional folk medicine, Globe Amaranth is used to treat a wide range of conditions:
Respiratory Ailments: A primary use is for asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough, and other respiratory issues, thanks to its expectorant properties.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Used to treat dysentery and indigestion.
Cardiovascular Health: It's used in some traditions to manage high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions.
Dermatological Conditions: Applied topically to treat dermatosis, pyoderma, and other skin ailments.
Women's Health: Used for issues like leukorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
Fever and Inflammation: Used to reduce fever and inflammatory conditions.
Using Way
The most common way to use Globe Amaranth is by preparing it as a tea or decoction.
Preparation: Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried flowers (or a handful of fresh ones) per cup of water.
Boiling: Bring the water to a boil, then add the flowers.
Steeping: Simmer for 5-10 minutes (for a decoction) or just let it steep for 15-20 minutes (for an infusion).
Strain and Drink: Strain the liquid and drink it warm.
For topical uses, the fresh plant can be macerated (crushed) or boiled to create a poultice that is applied directly to the skin for injuries or skin infections.
Conclusion
Gomphrena globosa, with its striking flowers and rich cultural history, is more than just a pretty face in the garden. It's a valuable medicinal herb, especially in traditional medicine, where it's prized for its expectorant, diuretic, and hypotensive properties. While scientific research is still exploring its full potential, its long-standing use for treating respiratory, gastrointestinal, and dermatological conditions highlights its significance. As with any herbal remedy, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.
