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Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Chenopodiaceae
  • Common Names: Epazote, Wormseed, Jesuit’s Tea, Mexican Tea
  • Parts Used: Leaves, stems, seeds

Description

Chenopodium ambrosioides is a strongly aromatic herb native to Central and South America. It has been widely used in traditional medicine, particularly for its antiparasitic, digestive, and carminative properties. The plant is well known for its ability to expel intestinal worms and its use in culinary traditions, especially in Mexican cuisine.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used by Indigenous Mesoamerican cultures to eliminate intestinal parasites.
  • Traditionally applied as a digestive aid to reduce bloating and gas.
  • Employed as a respiratory remedy for coughs and bronchial congestion.

Constituents

  • Essential oils (ascaridole, limonene, p-cymene)
  • Flavonoids
  • Saponins
  • Alkaloids
  • Tannins

Actions

  • Anthelmintic (expels worms)
  • Carminative (relieves gas)
  • Digestive stimulant
  • Expectorant
  • Antimicrobial
  • Antispasmodic

Medicinal Uses

1. Intestinal Parasite Expulsion:
Epazote has a long history of use as a natural remedy for intestinal worms, particularly roundworms and hookworms.

2. Digestive Health:
The herb is commonly used to reduce bloating, indigestion, and gas, often added to beans to prevent flatulence.

3. Respiratory Support:
Epazote is traditionally used to clear mucus and ease coughs in respiratory infections.

4. Menstrual and Uterine Support:
It has been used to regulate menstrual cycles and relieve menstrual cramps.

5. Antimicrobial and Antifungal Benefits:
The essential oils in epazote exhibit antimicrobial effects, helping to combat infections.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

  • 1 tsp of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5-10 minutes and drink up to 2 times daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-4 ml of tincture taken up to 3 times daily.

Decoction (For Parasites):

  • Stronger decoctions are traditionally used, but due to toxicity concerns, should only be taken under professional guidance.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Toxicity Warning: Contains ascaridole, which can be toxic in high doses; avoid excessive or prolonged use.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Not recommended, as it may cause uterine contractions and affect fetal development.
  • Neurological Effects: High doses may cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
  • Use with Caution: Only use medicinally in appropriate dosages and consult a healthcare provider before internal use.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Mesoamerican Medicine: Warming and stimulating; supports digestion and parasite removal.

Combinations

  • For Digestive Support: Combine with fennel and ginger.
  • For Parasite Cleansing: Traditionally combined with black walnut and wormwood.
  • For Respiratory Health: Combine with thyme and eucalyptus.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Leaves and stems are collected before flowering for medicinal use.
  • Drying: Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
  • Storage: Store dried plant material in an airtight container away from light and moisture.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Chenopodium ambrosioides’s antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and digestive-enhancing properties, though caution is advised due to its potential toxicity.

Epazote remains a potent traditional remedy, particularly for digestive and parasitic health, but should be used with care due to its strong essential oil content.