Epazotl is a Nahuatl word derived from the two words, ‘epatl’ and ‘tzotl’, meaning smelly (skunk) animal. It is indigenous to Mexico and is usually added to beans to enhance flavor and for its carminative (gas reducing) properties.
Wormseed tea is an important herbal approach to prevent or eliminate intestinal worms, menstrual distress and asthma. Commonly grown outside the kitchen door, fresh sprigs are added to beans for seasoning and to reduce gas. It is one of the most popular plants among the women of the community.
Wormseed contains limonene, p-cymene, and an essential oil called “ascaridole” which acts as a poison to intestinal parasites, especially worms. It has also been shown in the lab to be effective against bacteria that cause dysentery and also effective against fungal infections. It is carminative, meaning it reduces gas. Oil of chenopodium was previously listed in the US Pharmacopoeia as an anthelmintic (kills intestinal worms). Taken as a tea in moderate amounts or as a flavoring in food presents no health problems.
NOTE: Epazote is a cardiac stimulant in large quantities and should be used with caution by people with heart disease. Pregnant women should not use epazote tea.
Alanís, A., Calzada, F., Cervantes, J., Torres, J., & Ceballos, G. (2005). Antibacterial properties of some plants used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 100(1–2), 153–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.02.022