Herb: Silvery Orach


Latin name: Atriplex argentea


Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)



Medicinal use of Silvery Orach:

The leaves have been used as a fumigant in the treatment of pain. A poultice of the leaves has been applied to spider bites. A cold infusion of the plant has been used to treat sickness caused by drinking bad water, and to purify the water. A poultice of the chewed roots has been applied to sores and rashes. An infusion of the root has been used in the treatment of stomach aches.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Habitat of the herb:

Alkaline flats. Dry or saline soils.

Edible parts of Silvery Orach:

Leaves - cooked, or boiled with other foods as a flavouring. The tender young leaves can be used as greens. Seed - cooked. It can be ground into a meal and used as a thickener in soups etc, or be mixed with flour when making bread etc. The immature seeds can be eaten together with their surrounding calyx.

Other uses of the herb:

A cold infusion of the plant has been used to purify water.

Propagation of Silvery Orach:

Seed - sow April/May in situ. Germination is usually rapid.

Cultivation of the herb:

Alkaline flats. Dry or saline soils.

Known hazards of Atriplex argentea:

No member of this genus contains any toxins, all have more or less edible leaves. However, if grown with artificial fertilizers, they may concentrate harmful amounts of nitrates in their leaves.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.