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Epazote, Wormseed, Jesuit's Tea, Mexican Tea, or Herba Sancti Mariæ (Dysphania ambrosioides, formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides) is a herb
Herb

A herb is a plant that is valued for qualities such as medicinal properties, flavor, scent, or the like....
 native to Central America
Central America

Central America is a central geography region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmus portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast....
, South America
South America

South America is the southern continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere....
, and southern Mexico
Mexico

The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federalism constitutionalism republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico....
. It is an annual
Annual plant

An annual plant is a plant that usually germinates flowers and dies in one year. True annuals will only live longer than a year if they are prevented from setting seed....
 or short-lived perennial plant
Perennial plant

A perennial plant or perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. When used by gardeners or horticulturalists, this term applies specifically to perennial herbaceous plants....
, growing to 1.2 m tall, irregularly branched, with oblong-lanceolate leaves
Leaf

In botany, a leaf is an above-ground plant Organ specialized for photosynthesis. For this purpose, a leaf is typically flat and thin, to expose the cells containing chloroplast to light over a broad area, and to allow light to penetrate fully into the tissues....
 up to 12 cm long. The flower
Flower

A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproduction structure found in flowering plants . The biological function of a flower is to mediate the union of male sperm with female ovum in order to produce seeds....
s are small and green, produced in a branched panicle
Panicle

A panicle is a compound raceme, a loose, much-branched Indeterminate growth inflorescence with Pedicel flowers attached along the secondary branches ....
 at the apex of the stem.

As well as in its native areas, it is grown in warm temperate to subtropical areas of Europe
Europe

Europe is, conventionally, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally divided from Asia to its east by the water divide of the Ural Mountains, the Ural , the Caspian Sea, and by the Caucasus Mountains to the southeast....
 and the United States
United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
 (Missouri
Missouri

Missouri is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States of the United States bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska....
, New England
New England

New England is a region of the United States located in the northeastern corner of the country, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Canada and New York State, and consisting of the modern U.S....
, Eastern United States
Eastern United States

The Eastern Half of The United States, the American East, or simply the East is traditionally defined as the states east of the Mississippi River....
), sometimes becoming an invasive
Invasive species

Invasive species is a phrase with several definitions. The first definition expresses the phrase in terms of non-indigenous species that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically....
 weed
WEED

WEED is a radio station broadcasting a Gospel format. Licensed to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA, it serves the area. The station is currently owned by Northstar Broadcasting Corporation....
.

The common Spanish name, epazote, is derived from Nahuatl epazotl .

ote is used as a leaf vegetable
Leaf vegetable

Leaf vegetables, also called potherbs, greens, or leafy greens, are plant leaf eaten as a vegetable, sometimes accompanied by tender Petiole s and shoots....
 and herb for its pungent flavor.






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Epazote, Wormseed, Jesuit's Tea, Mexican Tea, or Herba Sancti Mariæ (Dysphania ambrosioides, formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides) is a herb
Herb

A herb is a plant that is valued for qualities such as medicinal properties, flavor, scent, or the like....
 native to Central America
Central America

Central America is a central geography region of the Americas. It is the southernmost, isthmus portion of the North American continent, which connects with South America on the southeast....
, South America
South America

South America is the southern continent of the Americas, situated entirely in the Western Hemisphere and mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere....
, and southern Mexico
Mexico

The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federalism constitutionalism republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of Mexico....
. It is an annual
Annual plant

An annual plant is a plant that usually germinates flowers and dies in one year. True annuals will only live longer than a year if they are prevented from setting seed....
 or short-lived perennial plant
Perennial plant

A perennial plant or perennial is a plant that lives for more than two years. When used by gardeners or horticulturalists, this term applies specifically to perennial herbaceous plants....
, growing to 1.2 m tall, irregularly branched, with oblong-lanceolate leaves
Leaf

In botany, a leaf is an above-ground plant Organ specialized for photosynthesis. For this purpose, a leaf is typically flat and thin, to expose the cells containing chloroplast to light over a broad area, and to allow light to penetrate fully into the tissues....
 up to 12 cm long. The flower
Flower

A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproduction structure found in flowering plants . The biological function of a flower is to mediate the union of male sperm with female ovum in order to produce seeds....
s are small and green, produced in a branched panicle
Panicle

A panicle is a compound raceme, a loose, much-branched Indeterminate growth inflorescence with Pedicel flowers attached along the secondary branches ....
 at the apex of the stem.

As well as in its native areas, it is grown in warm temperate to subtropical areas of Europe
Europe

Europe is, conventionally, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally divided from Asia to its east by the water divide of the Ural Mountains, the Ural , the Caspian Sea, and by the Caucasus Mountains to the southeast....
 and the United States
United States

The United States of America is a Federal government constitutional republic comprising U.S. state and a federal district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where its Contiguous United States and Washington, D.C., the Capital districts and territories, lie between the Pacific Ocean and Atlantic Oceans, Borders of the U...
 (Missouri
Missouri

Missouri is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States of the United States bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska....
, New England
New England

New England is a region of the United States located in the northeastern corner of the country, bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Canada and New York State, and consisting of the modern U.S....
, Eastern United States
Eastern United States

The Eastern Half of The United States, the American East, or simply the East is traditionally defined as the states east of the Mississippi River....
), sometimes becoming an invasive
Invasive species

Invasive species is a phrase with several definitions. The first definition expresses the phrase in terms of non-indigenous species that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically....
 weed
WEED

WEED is a radio station broadcasting a Gospel format. Licensed to Rocky Mount, North Carolina, USA, it serves the area. The station is currently owned by Northstar Broadcasting Corporation....
.

The common Spanish name, epazote, is derived from Nahuatl epazotl .

Usage


Culinary uses

Epazote is used as a leaf vegetable
Leaf vegetable

Leaf vegetables, also called potherbs, greens, or leafy greens, are plant leaf eaten as a vegetable, sometimes accompanied by tender Petiole s and shoots....
 and herb for its pungent flavor. Raw, it has a resinous, medicinal pungency, similar to the liquorice
Liquorice

Liquorice or licorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra , from which a sweet flavour can be extracted. The liquorice plant is a legume , related to Anise, Star Anise and Fennel and native to southern Europe and parts of Asia....
 taste of anise
Anise

is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwest Asia known for its flavor that resembles licorice, fennel, and tarragon....
, fennel
Fennel

Fennel is a plant species in the genus Foeniculum . It is a member of the family Apiaceae . It is a hardy, perennial plant, umbelliferous herb, with yellow flowers and feathery leaf....
, or even tarragon
Tarragon

Tarragon or dragon's-wort is a perennial plant herb in the family Asteraceae related to Artemisia . Corresponding to its species name, a common term for the plant is "dragon herb." It is native to a wide area of the Northern Hemisphere from easternmost Europe across central and eastern Asia to India, western North America, and south to...
, but stronger. Epazote's fragrance is strong, but difficult to describe. It has been compared to citrus, petroleum, savory, mint and putty.

Although it is traditionally used with black beans
Common bean

The common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris, is an herbaceous annual plant domesticated independently in ancient Mesoamerica and the Andes, and now grown worldwide for its edible bean, popular both dry and as a green bean....
 for flavor and its carminative
Carminative

A carminative, also known as carminativum , is an herb or preparation that either prevents formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, or facilitates the expulsion of said gas, thereby combating flatulence....
 properties, it is also sometimes used to flavor other traditional Mexican dishes as well: it can be used to season quesadillas and sope
Sope

A sope is a traditional Mexican cuisine dish originating in the city of Culiac?n, Sinaloa. It is an antojito similar to a garnacha. The base is made from a thickish, small circle of fried masa of ground maize soaked in lime with pinched sides....
s (especially those containing huitlacoche), soups, mole
Mole (sauce)

Mole is the generic name for several sauces used in Mexico cuisine, as well as for dishes based on these sauces. In English, it often refers to a specific sauce which is known in Spanish by the more specific name mole poblano....
 de olla, tamales with cheese and chile, chilaquiles
Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are a traditional Mexican cuisine. Typically, corn tortillas cut in quarters and fried are the basis of the dish. Green or red salsa or mole , is poured over the crispy tortilla triangles, called "totopos." The mixture is simmered until the tortilla starts softening....
, eggs and potatoes and enchiladas.

Medicinal uses

Epazote is used as a leaf vegetable
Leaf vegetable

Leaf vegetables, also called potherbs, greens, or leafy greens, are plant leaf eaten as a vegetable, sometimes accompanied by tender Petiole s and shoots....
 and herb for its pungent flavor and its claimed ability to prevent flatulence
Flatulence

Flatulence is the production of a mixture of gases in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals or other animals that are byproducts of the digestion process....
 caused by eating bean
Bean

Bean is a common name for large plant seeds of several genus of the Family Fabaceae used for human food or animal feed.The whole young pods of bean plants, if picked before the pods ripen and dry, can be tender enough to eat whole, whether cooked or raw....
s but also in the treatment of amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea

Dysmenorrhea is a medical condition characterized by severe uterine pain during menstruation. While most women experience minor pain during menstruation, dysmenorrhea is diagnosed when the pain is so severe as to limit normal activities, or require medication....
, malaria
Malaria

Malaria is a Vector -borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites. It is widespread in Tropics and subtropical regions, including parts of the Americas, Asia, and Africa....
, chorea
Chorea (disease)

Chorea sancti viti is an abnormal involuntary movement disorder, one of a group of neurological disorders called dyskinesias. The term chorea is derived from a Greek word ???e?a , as the quick movements of the feet or hands are vaguely comparable to dancing or piano playing....
, hysteria
Hysteria

Hysteria, in its colloquial use, describes a state of mind, one of unmanageable fear or emotional excesses. The fear is often caused by multiple events in one's past that involved some sort of severe conflict; the fear can be centered on a body part or most commonly on an imagined problem with that body part ....
, catarrh
Catarrh

Catarrh is a thick exudate of mucus and Granulocyte caused by the swelling of the mucous membranes in the head in response to an infection. It is a symptom usually associated with the common cold and chesty coughs, but can also be found in patients with infections of the adenoids, otitis media, sinusitis or tonsilitis....
, and asthma
Asthma

Asthma is a common chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, in which the Lung constrict, become inflammation, and are lined with excessive amounts of thickened mucus, often in response to one or more triggers....
.

Oil of chenopodium is derived from this plant. It is antihelminthic, that is, it kills intestinal worms, and was once listed for this use in the US Pharmacopoeia. It is also cited as an antispasmodic
Antispasmodic

An antispasmodic is a medication or an herb that suppresses spasms. These are usually caused by smooth muscle contraction, especially in tubular organs....
 and abortifacient
Abortifacient

An abortifacient is a substance that induces abortion. Abortifacients for animals that have mating undesirably are known as mismating shots.Common abortifacients used in performing medical abortions include mifepristone, which is typically used in conjunction with misoprostol in a two-step approach....
.

Epazote essential oil
Essential oil

An essential oil is a concentrated, hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. They are also known as volatile or ethereal oils, or simply as the "oil of" the plant material from which they were extracted, such as oil of clove....
 contains ascaridole
Ascaridole

Ascaridole is a natural organic compound classified as a bicyclic terpene that has an unusual bridging organic peroxide functional group. It is the primary constituent of the oil of epazote ....
 (up to 70%), limonene
Limonene

Limonene is a hydrocarbon, classified as a cyclic terpene. It is a colourless liquid at room temperatures with an extremely strong smell of Orange ....
, p-cymene
Cymene

Cymene, or p-cymene, is a naturally occurring aromatic organic compound. It is classified as a hydrocarbon related to a terpene. Its structure consists of a benzene ring para-substituted with a methyl group and an isopropyl group....
, and smaller amounts of numerous other monoterpenes
Terpene

Terpenes are a large and varied class of hydrocarbons, produced primarily by a wide variety of plants, particularly conifers, though also by some insects such as termites or swallowtail butterflies, which emit terpenes from their osmeterium....
 and monoterpene derivatives (a-pinene
Pinene

The chemical compound pinene is a bicyclic terpene known as a monoterpene . There are two structural isomers found in nature: Alpha-Pinene and Beta-pinene....
, myrcene
Myrcene

Myrcene, or ?-myrcene, is an alkene natural organic compound. It is classified as a hydrocarbon and a terpene. It is obtained from the essential oil of the plants bay leaf, verbena, myrcia and others....
, terpinene
Terpinene

The terpinenes are three isomeric hydrocarbons that are classified as terpenes. They each have the same molecular formula and carbon framework, but they differ in the position of carbon-carbon double bonds....
, thymol
Thymol

Thymol also known as isopropylmethylphenol, is a monoterpene phenols derivative of cymene, C10H14OH, isomeric with carvacrol, found in oil of thyme, and Liquid-liquid extraction as a white crystalline substance of a pleasant aromatic odor and strong antiseptic properties....
, camphor
Camphor

Camphor is a waxy, white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor. It is a terpenoid with the chemical formula carbon10hydrogen16oxygen....
 and trans-isocarveol). Ascaridole (1,4-peroxido-p-menth-2-ene) is rather an uncommon constituent of spices; another plant owing much of its character to this monoterpene peroxide is boldo
Boldo

Boldo is a tree native to the central region of Chile, occurring from 33 to 40? South Latitude. Together with litre, Soap bark tree, peumo, boll?n and other indigenous plants, it is a characteristic component of the sclerophyllous forest endemic to central Chile....
. Ascaridole is toxic and has a pungent, not very pleasant flavor; in pure form, it is an explosive sensitive to shock. Allegedly, ascaridole content is lower in epazote from México than in epazote grown in Europe or Asia.

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