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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

EPAZOTE
Chenopodiaceae
aka Ambrosia, Goosefoot, Jerusalem Tea, Jesuit Tea, Mexican Tea, Spanish Tea, Stick Weed, Stinking Weed, Wormseed
(Chenopodium ambrosioides)
Image

CAUTION
• PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY!
• Not to be taken by pregnant women.
• Excess causes dizziness, vomiting, convulsions, and death.
• Can cause contact dermatitis.
• The oil is subject to legal restrictions in some countries.

Native to Mexico and Guatemala but naturalized widely in warm countries. An erect annual or perennial (depending on location) to 3½ feet with many branches and soft, downy leaves to 3½ inches long. The entire plant has a strong creosote type smell §

PROPAGATION By SEED in spring. Half-hardy annual or tender perennial which will generally reseed itself in warm climates.

NEEDS Pinch out tips to encourage bushiness. Grown as a crop in rich, well-drained soil in full sun.

HARVEST Plants are cut in fall for oil production and to dry for making extracts and powders. Leaves are taken as needed and used fresh.

PART USED Whole plant, leaves, oil

USES

MEDICINAL:
Acrid, astringent, aromatic, vermifuge, diaphoretic, antispasmodic, expectorant, antifungal. Affects brain, spinal cord, and stomach.
Has been used internally for roundworms, hoookworms, small tapeworms, amebic dysentery, asthma, excess mucus.
Has been used externally for athlete's foot and insect bite.
At one time was used as a tonic and antispasmodic for nervous problems as well as for amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
DOSE: TRADITIONAL DOSAGES FOR PROFESSIONAL NOTE ONLY
!All others buy commercial preparations and follow directions carefully!
PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY
AS A VERMIFUGE: 1 tsp powdered seeds mixed with honey, taken twice daily and followed by a laxative.

CULINARY:
In Central American countries the leaves are used to flavor corn, bean, and fish dishes and were used in this manner by the Mayans of the Yucatan.
An infusion of the leaves has been used as a tea.

INSECT:
Has insecticidal properties and is used as a fumigant against mosquitoes and in fertilizer to inhibit insect larvae.

©2001 & 2007 by Ernestina Parziale, CH

PROPAGATION	By SEED in spring. Half-hardy annual or tender perennial which will generally reseed itself in warm climates.
NEEDS	Pinch out tips to encourage bushiness. Grown as a crop in rich, well-drained soil in full sun.
HARVEST	Plants are cut in fall for oil production and to dry for making extracts and powders. Leaves are taken as needed and used fresh.
PART USED	Whole plant, leaves, oil