Botanical Overview
Lambsquarter (Chenopodium album) is a flowering plant in the Chenopodiaceae family. This plant has earned a place in traditional medicine through its consistent therapeutic benefits, recorded across multiple cultures. This species belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family, a group of flowering plants.
General Description
Though cultivated in some regions, the plant is elsewhere considered a weed. Common names include lamb’s quarters, melde, goosefoot, wild spinach and fat-hen, though several are also applied to other species of the genus Chenopodium, for which reason it is often distinguished as white goosefoot.
Family Context
The Chenopodiaceae family is widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Epazote — 45 documented uses
- Spinach — 18 documented uses
- Beet — 15 documented uses
- Chenopodium quinoa — 1 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Lambsquarter has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, United Kingdom, and others.
Traditional Uses
Lambsquarter has been traditionally used for digestive health, urinary tract health, and nervous system disorders, among other applications.
Digestive health.
- Laxative
- Ache(Stomach)
- Stomachic
- Vermifuge
For digestive complaints, the herb is typically prepared as a tea or decoction taken before meals. The bitter compounds stimulate digestive secretions and improve nutrient absorption. Some traditions use the powdered root or leaves in small doses as a stomachic tonic.
Urinary tract health.
- Diuretic
Urinary tract applications typically involve drinking the herb as a mild tea, which increases urine production and helps flush the urinary system. It may be combined with other demulcent herbs to soothe irritated tissues.
Nervous system disorders.
- Sedative
Nervous system support involves taking the herb as a warm tea, often in the evening or before bed. The calming compounds interact with neurotransmitter systems to promote relaxation and restful sleep.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 30 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).
The identified compounds include the following categories:
- Sterol: cholesterol-like compounds with anti-inflammatory properties
- Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities