Spiny Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus): What Are Its Real Benefits, Risks, and How to Use It Safely?

Have you ever pulled what you thought was just another annoying weed from your garden, only to later discover it’s been used as medicine for hundreds of years? Millions of people unknowingly step over Spiny Amaranth every day, while in other parts of the world it’s boiled, brewed, and eaten as part of daily meals. The tricky part? This same plant that supports digestion and fights inflammation in traditional recipes can also send you to the emergency room if you use it wrong. Keep reading—by the end, you’ll know exactly how to tell the difference between helpful and harmful.

What Exactly Is Spiny Amaranth?
Spiny Amaranth (scientific name Amaranthus spinosus) is an annual plant that grows wild across most of the United States, especially in disturbed soil—think vacant lots, farm edges, and even your own backyard.