Epazote is a popular Central American herb used by native Mexicans since antiquity. Its strong musky flavour gives unique taste to Mexican and other Latin American cuisines. Its young shoots and leaves used like vegetable in soups while mature, pungent leaves used as digestive and carminatives in bean, fish and corn dishes.

Binomially the herb plant belongs to the large amaranthaceae family of herbs and vegetables including amaranth, spinach, quinoa, beets etc. Scientific name: Chenopodium ambrosioides. Some of common names include wormseed, Mexican tea, pazote...etc.
Epazote is easy growing annual herb, prefers well-draining sandy soil and full sunlight. It grows in the fields, along the roadside as weedy invasive plant. It reaches about 60 to 100 cm in height featuring small pointed leaves with serrated margins. Small yellow-green flower appears in cluster as in amaranth developing to numerous tiny black seeds.

Health benefits

Epazote has largely been viewed as medicinal herb rather than a culinary plant. In general, its leaves used in the cooking to counter indigestion and flatulence effects in the beans or any fiber and protein rich food. Nonetheless, the herb has many intrinsic plant nutrients which when used optimally would benefit to overall health and wellness.

The herb is very low in calories. 100 g leaves just contain 32 calories. Its plain leaves provide good amount of fibre, 3.8 g per 100g.

Its leaves composed of many monoterpene compounds such as ascaridole (60-80%), isoascaridole, p-cymene, limonene, and terpinene. Ascaridole is toxic to several intestinal worms like roundworm, hookworms, pinworm etc. Native Mayans drank its infusion on regular basis to keep off from worm infestation.

The herb parts, especially young leaves are excellent source of folic acid, provide 215 µg or 54% of daily recommended values. Folic acid takes part in the DNA synthesis and cell division. Expectant mothers, therefore, advised to add more greens in their diet to help prevent neural tube defects in the new-borns.

Epazote has small amounts of vitamin-A and some flavonoid phenolic anti-oxidants such as beta-carotenes. Together, they act as protective scavengers against oxygen-derived free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a role in aging and in various disease processes.

The herb has good amount of minerals like calcium (27% of RDA), manganese, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

It has small but adequate levels of other B-complex vitamins, particularly pyridoxine and riboflavin. These vitamins function as co-factors in the enzymatic metabolism inside the body.

Gastrointestinal Effects: Like most other leafy, green vegetables, epazote has a significant level of fibre, which helps to improve the digestive process and stimulates the smooth movement of the bowels. By improving the efficiency of the gastrointestinal system, epazote can reduce constipation, cramping, bloating, and even more serious conditions. Traditionally, however, epazote was most commonly used to eliminate flatulence and eliminate indigestion, both of which are always a good thing!

Weight Loss Aid: There are only 32 calories in 100 grams of epazote, yet this leafy green plant is packed with nutrients and organic compounds that your body needs. Therefore, if you are trying to lose weight, remain healthy, and feel full, this fibre- and nutrient-heavy plant is a very wise choice!

Parasitic Effects: One of the other popular traditional uses of epazote was to treat worms of different types. Hookworms and roundworms, as well as other parasitic worms in the body, can be neutralized by the active ingredients in epazote, which makes it an ideal dietary choice for people where water filtration and basic sanitary conditions may not be available.

Metabolic Activity: The B-complex family of vitamins is an extremely important element in human health, and while each member does have a slightly different role in human health, they are all generally associated with the strength and efficiency of the metabolism. Epazote delivers significant levels of 6 different B vitamins, particularly folic acid. A single serving of epazote contains more than 50% of the daily recommended amount of folic acid, which is important for proper development and growth.

Immune System Booster: The moderate levels of vitamin A found in epazote, along with various other carotenes and antioxidant compounds, make this herb very important for the immune system. The antioxidant activity of epazote protects the skin from free radical damage, and can also neutralize free radicals that cause various types of cancer and other chronic diseases.

Bone Health: The diverse range of minerals found in epazote mean that it can be very helpful in protecting your bones as you age. Significant levels of calcium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, and manganese contribute to bone mineral density and stave off osteoporosis, meaning that your bones will keep you strong and healthy well into your later years.

Blood Pressure and Heart Health: Potassium is one of the most overlooked, yet essential, minerals in our body. The moderate levels of potassium found in epazote can act as vasodilators, relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the strain on our cardiovascular system, thereby lowering the chances of developing atherosclerosis, consequently protecting us from heart attacks and strokes!

A Final Word of Warning: The high levels of certain organic compounds in epazote, including folic acid, as well as the potency of the essential oil that can be extracted, mean that epazote can be dangerous if consumed in large quantities. Gastroenteritis and other gastrointestinal issues have been reported by people who have consumed unusually large quantities of the herb or the essential oil. As always, consult a medical professional before adding a new element to your regular diet.