Epazote herb, c/s

Epazote herb, c/s (1889)

Scientific Name: Chenopodium ambrosioides, Chenopodiaceae family

Common Names: Epazote, mexican tea, american wormseed, jesuit's tea, erva-de-santa maria, wormseed, apasote, chenopode, feuilles a vers, paico, jerusalem tea, spanish tea, ambroisie du mexique, wurmsamen, hierba hormiguera

Parts used: Leaf, whole plant, seed

Active Compounds: alpha-pinene, aritasone, ascaridole, butyric-acid, d-camphor, essential oils, ferulic-acid, geraniol, l-pinocarvone, limonene, malic-acid, menthadiene, menthadiene hydroperoxides, methyl-salicylate, myrcene, p-cymene, p-cymol, safrole, saponins, spinasterol, tartaric-acid, terpinene, terpinyl-acetate, terpinyl-salicylate, triacontyl-alcohol, trimethylamine, urease, and vanillic-acid.

Background: The plant and seed have a long history of use among all indigenous people in every region where the plant grows. The seed oil, first isolated for commercial use in 1895, was subsequently officially listed in the US Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for ascarids and hookworms in humans, cats, dogs, horses, and pigs.

A 1970s WHO study reported a 20 gm dose of leaf decoction rapidly expelled parasites - no side effects were reported. In 1996 a clinical trial showed anti-parasitic efficacy in over half of Ascaris parasite cases treated with extract of leaf, and complete effectiveness in treating the more common intestinal parasites, Ancilostoma and Trichuris. Complete effectiveness has also been reported in eliminating human tapeworm.

Epazote has been shown to have toxic action against drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Properties: Antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-tumorous, insecticidal, antacid, digestive stimulant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-ulcer, carminative, digestive stimulant, diuretic, laxative, menstrual stimulant, nervine, sedative, and tonic. It is used in treating coughs, asthma, bronchitis, other upper respiratory conditions, and tuberculosis.

Externally the decoction is used for treating hemorrhoids, bruises, wounds, contusions and fractures.

Description:

An annual herb, native to tropical regions of Central and South America, Epazote
reaches 4 ft in height. It is multi-branched, has reddish stems covered with small, slightly petioled, oblong-lanceolate, toothed leaves. Small yellowish-green flowers grow in numerous, small clusters along stem, producing thousands of tiny, dark brown to black, smooth, shiny seeds. The fruit is perfectly enclosed in the calyx. Plant has very distinctive, strong odor.

Dosage: Leaf decoction : 1/2 c. daily for 4 days.

For expelling worms, the above dosage regimen recommends the use of a mild laxative on the 5th day to assist in the elimination of parasite residues.Repeat complete treatment cycle in days.

Safety: The seed oil has an extremely high toxicity rating and should not be taken internally. Should not be used during pregnancy or lactation. Contraceptive indications: do not use when conception is desired.

Drug Interactions: None known.

More Bulk Herbs and Spices Information:

Dill Seed
Dong Quai
Damiana leaf
Dandelion
Devil's Club
Dragon's Blood

For educational purposes only
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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