Native Spinach

Tetragonia tetragonioides

Evidence: TFamily: Aizoaceae

Pregnancy:Likely safeNursing:Likely safeChildren:Likely safe

Aboriginal food-medicine plant for scurvy prevention (vitamin C), wound washing, and skin conditions. Must be blanched before eating to reduce oxalate content.

Herb Card

Safety Quick Reference

Pregnancylikely safe

Breastfeedinglikely safe

Pediatriclikely safe

Contraindications: Must be blanched (oxalates). Avoid raw in kidney stone-prone individuals.

Interactions: Oxalates may reduce mineral absorption.

Drug & Medication Interactions

If you take any medications, review these interactions carefully.

Known Interactions

Oxalates may reduce mineral absorption.

Contraindications

Must be blanched (oxalates). Avoid raw in kidney stone-prone individuals.

How to Prepare Native Spinach

Decoction (Roots, Bark & Seeds)Easy · 25-45 minutes

Equipment

Pot with lid (non-aluminum), Strainer, Measuring spoon, Stove

Instructions

1Place 1 tablespoon of dried root, bark, or seeds per 12 oz of cold water in a pot.
2Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low simmer.
3Cover and simmer for 20-40 minutes. Harder roots (like Astragalus) may need up to 45 minutes.
4The liquid should reduce by about one-third.
5Strain through a fine mesh strainer, pressing the herbs to extract all liquid.
6Drink 1-3 cups daily. Can be combined with honey or blended with an infusion.

Tips

• Use a non-aluminum pot — aluminum can react with plant compounds.
• Decoctions are necessary for roots, bark, seeds, and mushrooms — these are too tough for simple steeping.
• You can simmer mushrooms (Reishi, Chaga) for 2+ hours for stronger extraction.

Some roots are very potent — follow specific dosing guidelines for individual herbs. Avoid decocting herbs with volatile oils (peppermint, chamomile) as you will lose the beneficial compounds.

Refrigerate and use within 48-72 hours. Can be gently reheated.

Poultice (Topical Compress)Easy · 10-20 minutes

Equipment

Fresh or dried herbs, Clean cloth or gauze, Hot water, Bowl

Instructions

1FOR FRESH HERBS: Chop or mash fresh plant material. Apply directly to the skin, cover with a clean cloth.
2FOR DRIED HERBS: Mix dried, powdered herb with enough hot water to form a thick paste.
3Spread the paste onto a clean cloth or gauze, about 1/4 inch thick.
4Apply the herb side against the skin. Cover with another clean cloth to hold in place.
5Leave on for 20-30 minutes, or until cooled. Reapply as needed.
6For a warm poultice, wrap a hot water bottle or warm towel over the cloth.

Tips

Herbal PowderEasy · 5 minutes

Equipment

Measuring spoon, Blender or cup for mixing

Instructions

1Measure the recommended amount of herbal powder (typically 1/4 to 1 teaspoon).
2Mix into warm water, juice, smoothie, or warm milk (for golden milk-style preparations).
3Stir or blend thoroughly — some powders don't dissolve and need blending.
4For Ayurvedic herbs (Ashwagandha, Turmeric), mixing with warm milk and a fat (ghee, coconut oil) improves absorption.
5Drink immediately or add to food (oatmeal, yogurt, soups).

Tips

• Adding a fat source (coconut oil, ghee, whole milk) helps absorb fat-soluble compounds.
• Black pepper significantly increases Turmeric/Curcumin absorption.

Native Spinach

Safety Quick Reference

Drug & Medication Interactions

Known Interactions

Contraindications

Native Spinach

Safety Quick Reference

Drug & Medication Interactions

Known Interactions

Contraindications

Surgery Warning

Side Effects

How to Prepare Native Spinach

Equipment

Instructions

Tips

Equipment

Instructions

Tips

Equipment

Instructions

Tips

Find herbs tailored to your needs

Get Personalized Safety Info