Epazote Herb Profile

Also known as

Chenopodium ambrosioides, Jesuits Tea, Pigweed, Mexican Tea, Wormseed

Introduction

Epazote is a perennial green herb that grows to about three feet. It is native of Southern Mexico, Central and South America. It has been known as an invasive weed, but is more commonly used as a medicinal herb or spice for traditional Mexican dishes. Epazote has a quite a pungent taste, and its fragrance is quite strong, but difficult to describe. The smell has been compared to a great diversity of scents, which range from citrus to gasoline, and mint to a vague perfume like smell. The Aztecs had a long history of using the herb as a culinary additive, but the word that they used for it translated as "smelly animal". It is most commonly added to black beans for flavor.

Parts Used

The whole leaf or stem.

Typical Preparations

Added to any dish as a spice, or used as a tea.

Summary

The Aztecs used Epazote both as a spice as well as medicinally. A great many sources say that it is poisonous in large quantities, but no one can quite define what amount "large" constitutes. Epazote is also known to have insecticidal properties.

Precautions

None known

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.