Quail Grass/Celosia
Quail Grass/Celosia (Qing Xing Zi)
Botanical Name: Celosia argentea, (variation: C. cristata)
Known by several names (including Quail Grass, Cockscombs, Velvet Flower, Logos Spinach, and Celosia), The Chinese have frequently used the seeds as medicine for centuries and the plant’s leaves and young stems are well-known throughout Asia and Africa as a wonderful vegetable for soups and stews.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Quail Grass (A.K.A. Celosia) and Your Eyes…
Below is an overview of quail grass/celosia combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of quail grass/celosia.
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Western
Western Name: Quail Grass
Also Known As: Celosia, Wool Flowers, Cockscombs, Silver Cock’s Comb, Logos Spinach, Soko, Velvet Flower
Organs/Systems: Large Intestines, Cardiovascular, Bladder, Uterus, Eye, Skin
Key Actions: Hypertensive, Mydriatic, Hemostatic, Astringing, Parasiticide, Ophthalmic, Antibiotic, Anthelmintic, Antidiabetic, Aphrodisiac, Hepatoprotective
Medicinal Uses: Seed – Uterine bleeding, bloody stools, hemorrhoids. Leaf, Young Stem, Flower – nutritious.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Qing Xiang Zi
Also Known As: Celosia Seeds, Kunlun Grass
Meridians: Liver
Key Actions: Clears Liver Fire, Clears Wind Heat, Improves Vision
Medicinal Uses: Red sore eyes, hypertension, liver yang rising, nosebleeds, bleeding stools, uterine bleeding, red painful swollen eyes, cataracts, blurred vision, itchy skin, ringworm.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
Quail grass, or celosia, is a small genus of edible plants in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. They are annual plants with one ounce of seed containing as many as 43,000 seeds. The seeds are small, round, and have a black or reddish-black exterior. It is a broadleaf vegetable. There are three types of Celosia: plumed, crested, or spiked.
Some say it originated in Africa. It grows widely across Mexico, South America, tropical Africa, the West Indies, and Asia where it is native or a naturalized wildflower. It likes moist places to elevations of 1600 feet.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Leaf, Young Stem, Flower, Seeds
Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Cold
Caution: Because quail grass has a mydriatic effect on the eyes (causing the pupils to dilate excessively) never use this herb if you have glaucoma.
Key Constituents: Whole Plant – High in Protein, Vitamin A, C, and E, Iron, Fiber, Antioxidants, Phosphorus. Seeds – 15% Fatty oil, 30% Starch, Niacin, Potassium nitrate, Amino acids, Calcium.
History/Folklore: The Greek word from which “celosia” is derived means “burning” and refers to the flame-like flower head. It is a traditional food in Central and West Africa. In Nigeria, it is cultivated as a nutritious leafy green vegetable called, “make husbands fat and happy.”
As a grain, quail grass is a pseudo-cereal, not a true cereal. The leaves, young stems, and young flowers are used for stew. The leaves are soft with a spinach-like flavor. They can be cooked with garlic, lime juice, and olive oil as a tasty side dish.
The flowers help control diarrhea, spitting up blood, hemorrhoids, leucorrhea, and atypical uterine bleeding. The leaves can be used in dressings to treat boils and sores and the seeds are good for “tight feelings” or fullness in the chest. The seeds are also used in poultices to help heal broken bones and are hypotensive and ophthalmic.
Current research indicates that celosia extract used in an alcohol solution may help heal burns and wounds faster. It has a history of successfully treating skin sores, eruptions, and mouth sores.
As a parasiticide, it is very effective against Trichomonas. A 20% extract can cause the parasite to disappear within 15 minutes.
A common tea recipe is 1 cup of boiling water to 1-2 teaspoons of celosia seeds, steep for 15 minutes, and then strain. This tea can be enjoyed 1-3x daily to help treat vision or chest complaints.
In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Quail grass is mainly used to treat swollen eyes, high blood pressure, nosebleeds, and other conditions associated with Liver Fire rising. It is considered to have a powerful effect getting rid of Heat and dilating the pupils.
In Asian cultures, quail grass is considered an aphrodisiac.
In Chinese mythology, the plant was a favorite of the goddess Nu Wa, who created humans from clay and saved the world from destruction. She is called the Guardian of Heaven and Earth.
Quail grass is a common ornamental plant in China and other places. It is very easy to grow and takes little care. It grows well when other plants succumb to mold and other diseases found in hot damp tropical areas.
Taiwan’s Lavender
Quail grass (Celosia) is called “Taiwan’s Lavender”.
Raw
Medicinally, the seeds are used raw. They are gathered in the fall when the fruits are ripe and dried.
Typical Dosage
Typically 3-15 grams of the seeds are used for making tea or decoctions.
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