This plant is found in many parts of the world. In both Mexico and Guatemala, in Japan as simé kontwá, in South America as Santa Maria, in Morocco as M’khinza / ansérine, in the Caribbean, as well as in the U.S. as wormseed, Mexican tea, or Jesuit’s tea. Its scientific name is Dysphania ambrosioides or Chenopodium ambrosioides, the name has been changed over time. Although the plant is found in different parts of the world, the chemotypes slightly vary.
In Nahuatl, epat translates to stinking/foul and tzotl translates to sweet. Epazote is also known as yerba del zorrillo (which is Dysphania graveolens but has similar actions), paico, bitia or caa-ne in Mexico. Both the aerial and roots are used. Traditionally the leaves are used in cooking, in beans for flavor and as an aid for reducing flatulence. Medicinally it is used in animals and humans as an antioxidant, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, emmenagogue, abortifacient, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, carminative, decongestant, and as a galactagogue.
Epazote contains ascaridol, which is the main compound that gives the plant its anthelmintic actions of killing or destroying parasitic worms. Ascaridol is found to inhibit Plasmodium falciparum, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Leishmania amazonensis. These are all protozoan parasites, which are single-celled organisms that feed and live off their hosts. Plasmodium falciparum causes malaria through Anopheles mosquitos, Trypanosoma cruzi causes Changas disease, and Leishmania amazonensis causes leishmaniasis disease. Epazote has also been used against Amoebiasis, which is an intestinal infection from a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. Amoebiasis symptoms include fevers, nausea, diarrhea, and in some cases vomiting. It is common for folks to get Amoebiasis while traveling. As an antibacterial, Epazote was shown to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans.
Aside from the compound ascaridole showing antihelmintic actions, it has also been shown to be an effective analgesic. In a study on Synovial inflammation and pain, Ascaridole was shown to bind to NMDA receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate acid receptors), having antagonistic (inhibiting) actions. These receptors play a role in chronic and sensitization to pain in the central nervous system. It was suggested that Chenopodium ambrosioides (Epazote) could act similarly to Ketamine, which is also an antagonist of NMDA receptors. The study also showed that C. ambrosioides was successful in reducing Synovial inflammation, which is inflammation within the lining of the joints, the synovial membranes.
As an antispasmodic, Epazote is used for calming menstrual cramps, asthma, and coughs. For women, it is used to bring on and regulate menstruation, as an ab0rtifacient, and to help breastfeeding women lactate.
Epazote is also highly nutritive, high in fiber, it is rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and niacin. If your body is fighting an intestinal infection like Amoebiasis or you are menstruating, having these additional nutrients is going to nourish your body.
Recommended Dosage:
Aerial Parts:
Dried or fresh: 1 tbsp per 8oz of boiling water, 2-3x/day.
Fresh: 2 - 3 tbsp per 8 oz of boiling water, 2-3x/day.
Let steep for 20 minutes.
Make 32oz to have throughout the day. Drink this infusion on an empty stomach and before each meal. Drink for 7 days or until symptoms alleviate.
Contraindications:
Do not consume if pregnant. It can be toxic in highly concentrated doses, especially for children. Be mindful when using a concentrated tincture and follow the instructions given. It is safe to consume in infusions and in culinary amounts.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3976796
https://www.utep.edu/herbal-safety/herbal-facts/herbal%20facts%20sheet/wormseed.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629912/
Fatal case:
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