Amaranth
Also known as cock’s comb, love lies bleeding, and kiwicha, amaranth is a bushy plant with broad alternate leaves that grows two to seven feet tall, and is known for having distinctive red flower heads that resemble the plumage of an exotic bird. The name amaranth comes from the word amaranton, which means “unwithering,” as the flowers keep their shape even when dried. In addition to its uses in herbal medicine and witchcraft, amaranth is also eaten like a grain!
This plant is very easy to grow. Amaranth is an annual, so it will either have to be replanted or be allowed to self-seed each year. It readily reseeds, however, and unless you're careful, you won't have much choice in the matter. It doesn't transplant well and grows best outdoors. It tolerates a variety of soil types, though fertile, well-drained soil is best. Resistant to heat and drought and possessed of no major disease problems, Amaranth is, however, susceptible to fungus if the soil is kept too moist.
Highly nutritive as a tonic herb, amaranth should always be cooked before it’s eaten and should be grown in low-nitrogen conditions if possible. Amaranth seeds can be used as a grain substitute for someone who is sensitive to grains or looking for a low-carb option. Because it is highly digestible, it is also good for people recovering from an illness or breaking a fast. It must be mixed with other flours for making yeast breads because it contains no gluten. The seeds also help to lower cholesterol, while an extract of the flowers can be used externally for ulcers and the like, as well as a mouthwash for gum sores. The flowers can also be dried, powdered, and used as a cosmetic to brighten lips and cheeks!
Amaranth is sacred to Huitzilopochtli, an Aztec Sun God and is a suitable offering to Artemis and Demeter. A crown of amaranth flowers is said to accelerate the healing process, while a wreath is said to grant one invisibility. The flowers are said to heal a broken heart, and the dried flowers have apparently been used to summon forth the dead, though I don’t know the process and find this questionable. To ensure you will never be hit by a bullet, pull up an entire amaranth plant during the full moon, preferably on a Friday; leave an offering to the plant and then fold it, roots and all, in a piece of white cloth, which is then worn against your breast to become “bulletproof.” You'll likely have to use one of the smaller, ornamental varieties for this. This flower is even associated with immortality, often seen decorating images of deities during Pagan funeral ceremonies!
In flower language, sweet amaranth means “Worth Beyond Beauty,” while globe amaranth means “Unchangeable.” Meanwhile, amaranthus (or love lies bleeding) means “Hopeless, Heartless.”
