Schrader’s glandular goosefoot (lat. Dysphania schrader) belongs to the foxtail family (Amaranthaceae). It is also further referred to as lady’s weed.
Occurrence and cultivation of Schrader’s glandular goosefoot.
Schrader’s glandular goosefoot belongs to the foxtail family. It is also further referred to as lady’s daisy. In addition to Schrader’s glandular goosefoot, the genus glandular goosefoot (Dysphania) also includes the better known Mexico glandular goosefoot (Dysphania ambrosioides), Australia glandular goosefoot (Dysphania pumilio) and common glandular goosefoot (Dysphania botrys). These are the four species that also occur in Germany and Austria. Otherwise, the glandular goosefoot species are more likely to be found in the subtropics and tropics. It is their natural habitat. The species in Europe have immigrated from there, although historically documented before 1492, so this genus is no longer a neophyte but is called an archaeophyte. However, it appeared in Germany only from 1907 as an introduced species and is thus listed as a neophyte in Germany. It is a warmth-loving ruderal plant and feels at home on loamy and sandy sites. It can be found in sunny debris weeds, waste places or banks. The basic characteristics of the goosefoot species are the mostly alternate leaves, whereby the leaf shape varies greatly among the more than 40 different species in Europe. The stem of Schrader’s goosefoot is erect and branches several times. It is about 20 to 60 centimeters high, but can also grow up to one meter high in rare cases. Schrader’s glandular goosefoot is a herbaceous usually annual plant. The leaf axils contain the glandular hairs that give this genus its name. They have a thickened head that encloses an essential oil that gives the plant its aromatic lemony scent. For the plant itself, it serves as an antifeedant and for cooling. The main flowering period is from July to October. The flowers are rather small, greenish in color, and sit in clusters in the leaf axils. The flower is equipped with a lot of poles, as it is pollinated by the wind. The plant has hermaphroditic flowers, which means that it has both male and female flower organs.
Effect and application
The young elastic stems before flowering serve peeled as a salad addition. It is also worth trying to fry the stems in a pan and eat them as a vegetable. The budded inflorescences can be breaded. Because of their small size, this is more of a gimmick, but very pretty as a decoration. The leaves can be prepared raw or cooked like spinach. The bitter content in the different species varies sometimes enormously. The basic taste goes from spinach-like, nutty-tart to extremely bitter. The ripe reddish-brown to black seeds can be harvested from August. They are numerous but also very small. Therefore, harvesting is a little laborious. When the seeds are then boiled with water, it is advisable to pour away the first boiling water, because the whole plant, but also especially the seeds, contain saponins (soap-like substances) and bitter substances. The cooked seeds can now be processed into a pulp, which can be sweetened but also salted. Similar to amaranth, which belongs to the same family. Dried and ground, they serve as an extender flour and can thus be added to any pastry. They are also a fresh source of vitamins in winter as sprouted seeds. The roots were probably used as a vegetable in the past and invite experimentation. Not much can yet be found about ingredients and effects of this special kind of Schrader’s goosefoot. However, it can be assumed that it has similar ingredients as the Mexican glandular goosefoot or possibly other goosefoot species. These range from the aforementioned saponins and bitter compounds, many minerals (potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus) to the abundant vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin B3. The goosefoot in general is not a classic medicinal plant. However, due to its partially high saponin content, it has an expectorant and antiflatulent effect on coughs. Externally as a poultice it is used for hemorrhoids, insect bites or snake bites and for wound healing. It is also used against fungi. This is exactly the effect that the saponins should also have on the plant itself – namely, protect against fungal attack.Internally, use should be limited as too much saponins can cause mucous membrane irritation.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
The properties of saponins in phytotherapy have far-reaching significance. They are considered anti-inflammatory, diuretic, expectorant, hormone stimulant and generally tonic. They also support the absorption of other ingredients from the intestine and bind cholesterol. Based on various studies, it is assumed that they have a preventive effect against colon cancer, due to their inhibitory effect on cell division in the intestine. However, saponins must not enter the bloodstream, as even small amounts can have a hemolytic (blood-dissolving) property. The bitter compounds, which are abundant in glandular goosefoot, also prove to be very effective medicinally in a wide variety of areas. In summary, they are considered to stimulate appetite, regulate digestive disorders, warming, secretion (digestive secretions) and absorption (especially nutrients such as vitamins, iron). In addition, the plant is attributed perestaltic stimulating, anti-flatulence, anti-rotting, ph-optimizing, indirect hematopoietic properties (by improving the absorption of B12). In addition, it has a stimulating effect on non-specific defenses in the intestine (Peyer’s plaques in the small intestine), metabolism stimulating, regulating for natural satiety, tonifying smooth muscle, strengthening the vegetative system, strengthening the heart (increase contraction force) and generally invigorating. Outside of medicine, glandular goosefoot is also used as a dyeing plant, producing different shades of green. Also against moths or other pest infestation should be able to be remedied by the contained essential oil. There is a risk of confusion with a highly poisonous nightshade plant, the black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) and also with the datura before flowering. Therefore, harvest only if confusion can be ruled out.
