Epazote

Epazote is a traditional Central American herb employed by native Mexicans since antiquity. Its strong, musky flavor gives a unique taste to Mexican and other Latin American cuisines. While its young shoots and tender leaves used like leafy greens in soups; its mature, pungent leaves added in small quantities as digestive and carminatives in bean, fish, and corn dishes.

In the Kitchen:

Epazote has a strong pungent flavor with a hint of petroleum and mint smell dominating. Its leaves, fresh or dried, and young shoots are being used as a seasoning in the dishes in Mexican, Chilean and other South American regions.

To prepare, wash the leaves in cold water as in other greens and herbs. Few leaves or 1-2 sprigs are just enough to flavor the whole food. It is mainly added in the traditional black bean recipes to improve digestion.

Fresh epazote leaves added to flavor corn-based recipes like gordita (corn dumplings) and bocoles (cornmeal cakes). Other uses include:

• Traditional Mexican mole sauce with other ingredients like tomato, bell pepper, tomatillo, annatto, etc.

• Contrary to its name, Epazote herb is not used to make tea but to make an herbal infusion which is later used in the recipes. Traditional Yucatan lime and chicken soups use this decoction.

• Quesadillas con Epazote, is a cheese stuffed tortilla which uses the herb as one of the ingredients along with potatoes, mushrooms, egg, etc.

Traditional Cultural Practices & Medicinal Uses

• Epazote has been found in the traditional medicines in many Central and South American cultures. Its infusion is a popular household remedy for parasitic worm infestation. Usually, a half-to-one cup of a leaf decoction is given each morning before the meal for three consecutive days as treatment.

• The herb is an excellent remedy for stomach and intestinal ailments like indigestion, cramps, and ulcers. 

• Its decoction has been found to have some anti-diabetic properties. Further, certain trial studies suggest it hold hope for some liver cirrhosis and cancers.

• The herb parts should not be included in the nursing and pregnant mothers for its possible toxic effects. 

Companion Plant in the Garden: Epazote elivers partial protection to nearby plants simply by masking their scent to some insects, making it a useful companion plant. Its small flowers may also attract some predatory wasps and flies.

Safety profile

Epazote (wormseed) should be used in small quantities. Its seed oil rather contains a large concentration of ascaridole and other monoterpenes. When taken internally, these chemicals in the oil may cause extensive damage to liver, kidney, cause rhythm disturbances in the heart and nervous systems. For the same reason, wormseed oil is banned by IFRA (International Fragrance Association) for both external and internal use of its products.

The herb parts should not be consumed by the nursing and pregnant mothers for its possible toxic effects.