Epazote

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Epazote

Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is a traditional herb native to Central and South America, widely used in Mexican and Latin American cuisine and folk medicine. It’s known for its distinctive pungent aroma and has been valued for centuries for both its culinary uses and medicinal properties.

What is Epazote?

Botanical Name: Dysphania ambrosioides (formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides)
Common Names: Wormseed, Mexican tea, Pazote, Jesuit's tea
Plant Type: Aromatic herb with jagged leaves, typically used fresh or dried
Botanical Name: Dysphania ambrosioides (formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides)
Common Names: Wormseed, Mexican tea, Pazote, Jesuit's tea
Plant Type: Aromatic herb with jagged leaves, typically used fresh or dried
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Scientific Studies & Traditional Use

Scientific studies on epazote primarily focus on its:

  • Antiparasitic and anthelmintic properties (kills intestinal worms)
  • Antimicrobial and antifungal effects
  • Gastrointestinal benefits (especially for reducing gas and bloating)

Key findings:

  • Ascaridole, its main active compound, has been shown to be effective against intestinal parasites and some bacteria and fungi.
    (Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2000; Planta Medica, 1997)
  • In traditional Mexican medicine, it is used to treat flatulence, indigestion, and intestinal infections.

However, high doses can be toxic, especially due to ascaridole. Always use in moderation.

Health Benefits of Epazote

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1. Digestive Aid

  • Relieves gas, bloating, and stomach cramps—commonly added to bean dishes to reduce flatulence.

1. Digestive Aid

  • Relieves gas, bloating, and stomach cramps—commonly added to bean dishes to reduce flatulence.
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2.Antiparasitic & Antimicrobial

  • Traditionally used as a natural dewormer and against intestinal parasites like roundworms.
  • Also effective against some bacterial and fungal infections.

2.Antiparasitic & Antimicrobial

  • Traditionally used as a natural dewormer and against intestinal parasites like roundworms.
  • Also effective against some bacterial and fungal infections.
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3. Anti-inflammatory

  • Mild anti-inflammatory activity supports intestinal comfort and general immune response.

3. Anti-inflammatory

  • Mild anti-inflammatory activity supports intestinal comfort and general immune response.
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4. Menstrual Support

  • Used traditionally to help ease menstrual cramps and stimulate delayed periods.

4. Menstrual Support

  • Used traditionally to help ease menstrual cramps and stimulate delayed periods.

Recommended Dosage

Due to its potency and potential toxicity at high levels, epazote should be used carefully.

Culinary use (safe): 1–2 teaspoons of chopped fresh leaves per dish
Tea (only occasionally): 1–2 grams dried leaves per cup, steeped for 5–7 minutes (Not for daily long-term use due to ascaridole content)
Essential oil: Not recommended for internal use due to high toxicity
Culinary use (safe): 1–2 teaspoons of chopped fresh leaves per dish
Tea (only occasionally): 1–2 grams dried leaves per cup, steeped for 5–7 minutes (Not for daily long-term use due to ascaridole content)
Essential oil: Not recommended for internal use due to high toxicity

Avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in children under 12.

How to Incorporate Epazote into Daily Routines

 Safe Daily Uses (in food):

  • Add 1–2 teaspoons of fresh leaves to bean dishes to reduce gas
  • Mix into soups, chili, or tamales for a deep, earthy flavor
  • Blend with quesadillas, salsas, or egg dishes for a unique herbal twist

 Occasional Use as Tea:

  • Boil 1 cup of water
  • Add 1 gram of dried epazote (approx. 1 tsp)
  • Steep 5–7 minutes, strain, and sip slowly
  • Best used no more than 1–2 times a week
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Culinary Recipes Using Epazote

 1. Black Beans with Epazote

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups black beans (cooked)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1–2 tsp chopped fresh epazote
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in oil.
  2. Add beans and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Stir in epazote and cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Serve warm with rice or tortillas.

2. Epazote and Cheese Quesadillas

Ingredients:

  • Corn tortillas
  • Oaxacan or mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp chopped fresh epazote per quesadilla

Instructions:

  1. Place cheese and epazote on one tortilla, top with another.
  2. Heat on a skillet until cheese melts and tortilla is golden.
  3. Serve with salsa verde.

3. Mexican Epazote Tea (Occasional Use)

  • 1 tsp dried epazote
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • Optional: lemon or honey

Instructions:

  • Steep, strain, and enjoy for digestive relief. Do not use daily or in large quantities.
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