Epazote, Chenopodium ambrosioides, Semen contra, American wormseed

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 8 min read

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Article Summary

Epazote (scientific name Chenopodium ambrosioides) is an annual or perennial herb, 1 meter tall with simple, alternate, oblong-lanceolate leaves 2-12 cm long and 2.5-9 cm wide. The flowers are small, green and elongated. The stems are branched, terete-angular, hairless and reddish in color. The green or brown fruit yield horizontal or vertical, lenticular-subglobose, black, brown or reddish brown and shiny seeds. The plant does well...

Key Takeaways

This article explains Epazote Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Health Benefits of Epazote in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.

Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Emergency now

Use emergency care for severe, sudden, rapidly worsening, or life-threatening symptoms.

See a doctor

Book a professional medical evaluation if symptoms persist, worsen, recur often, affect daily activities, or occur in a high-risk patient.

Learn safely

Use this article to understand possible causes, tests, treatment options, prevention, and questions to ask your clinician.

Name	Epazote
Scientific Name	Chenopodium ambrosioides
Native	Native to South America, Central America and Southern Mexico. Today it has been cultivated and naturalized worldwide.
Common/English Name	Mexican tea, Wormseed, Erva-de-santa maria, Chenopode, Apasote, Meksika cayi, Feuilles a vers, Semen contra, American wormseed, Pazote, Simon contegras, Paico, Herbe a vers, Mexican tea, Jesuit’s tea, Amush, Semin contra, Paico, Mastruco, Paiku, Amasamas, Cashua, Payco, Anserina, Jerusalem tea, Sie-sie, Wurmsamen, Mastruz, Camatai, Hierba hormiguera wormseed, Ambroisie du mexique, Mexican-tea, Spanish tea
Name in Other Languages	French: The du Mexique Dutch: Amerikaans wormsaad, Spanish: Epazote, paico, Chinese: Chou ching, German: Mexikanisches Teekraut, Croatian: Cjelolista loboda, Czech: Merlík, Danish: Vellugtende Gåsefod, Dutch: Welriekende Ganzenvoet, Estonian: Ürt-Hanemalts, Finnish: Sitruunasavikka, French: Ambroisie Du Mexique, German: Jesuitentee, Greek: Chenopodion to ambrosioides, Herbrew: kaf-Avaz Reichanit Hungarian: Mirhafű Italian: Farinello aromatico, Japanese: Amerika-Ritaso, Korean: Epajote, Malayalam: Katuayamodakam, Norwegian: Sitronmelde, Polish: Komosa Piżmowa, Portuguese: Ereva-Mata-Pulga, Russian: Mar Ambrozievidnaya, Spanish: Alapasotes, Vietnamese: Ca Dau Giun, Hindi: Sugandha Vastuka
Plant Growth Habit	Annual or perennial
Growing Climate	Tropical, subtropical
Soil	Well-drained
Plant Size	Height: 1 m
Root	Taproot
Stem	Branched, terete-angular, hairless, reddish
Leaf	Simple, alternate, oblong-lanceolate; Length: 2 – 12 cm; Width: 2.5-9 cm
Flowering Season	July-August
Flower	Small, green, elongated
Fruit color	Green or brown
Flavor/aroma	Strong
Fruit Taste	Pungent, bitter
Seed	Horizontal or vertical, lenticular-subglobose, black, brown or reddish brown, shiny
Fruit Season	September
Major Nutritions (Raw)	Manganese, Mn 0.025 mg (1.09%) Vitamin B9 (Folate) 2 µg (0.50%) Iron, Fe 0.02 mg (0.25%) Magnesium, Mg 1 mg (0.24%) Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 0.003 mg (0.23%) Copper, Cu 0.002 mg (0.22%) Calcium, Ca 2 mg (0.20%) Phosphorus, P 1 mg (0.14%) Potassium, K 5 mg (0.11%) Zinc, Zn 0.01 mg (0.09%)
Health Benefits	Gastrointestinal health Lose weight Treatment of worms Effective metabolism Enhance immune system Healthy bones Heart ailments
Calories in 1 tbsp (0.8 g)	0 Kcal.
Traditional uses	It is considered as a vermifuge in the Caribbean, Mexico and Guatemala. Tea is used as an aid for stomach pains, haemorrhoids, detoxify the snakebites, poisons and clean the wounds. Oil extracted from Epazote is useful for insect bites and athletes foot. In Brazilian folk medicine, Epazote is used to cure digestive problems as well as respiratory disease. It is considered as pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="analgesic" data-rx-definition="An analgesic is a pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।">analgesic, antimicrobial, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, antipyretic and fungicide. It is helpful for asthma, menstruation problems and nervous problems. The first birth control pills was made with Epazote.
Precautions	Epazote is harmful in the case of heart disease, neurathenia, pregnancy and peptic ulcer. The oil which is extracted from Epazote results in spasma, nervous system disorders, paralysis and even causes death. The excessive use of Epazote could be toxic which may cause the symptoms such as pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।" data-rx-term="headache" data-rx-definition="Headache means pain in the head or upper neck. সহজ বাংলা: মাথাব্যথা।">headache, dizziness, skin irritation, vertigo problem and mouth or throat irritation. The overuse can result in temporary hearing loss and renal damage.

Epazote Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Chenopodium ambrosioides

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Order	Caryophyllales
Family	Amaranthaceae
Subfamily	Chenopodioideae
Tribe	Dysphanieae
Genus	Dysphania
Species	D. ambrosioides
Synonyms	Ambrina ambrosioides (L.) Spach Ambrina parvula Phil. Ambrina spathulata Moq. Atriplex ambrosioides (L.) Crantz Blitum ambrosioides (L.) Beck Botrys ambrosioides (L.) Nieuwl. Chenopodium ambrosioidesL. Chenopodium integrifolium Vorosch. Chenopodium spathulatum Sieber ex Moq. Chenopodium suffruticosum subsp. remotum Vorosch. Chenopodium suffruticosum Willd. Orthosporum ambrosioides (L.) Kostel. Orthosporum suffruticosum Kostel. Teloxys ambrosioides (L.) W.A. Weber Vulvaria ambrosioides (L.) Bubani

The mostly common names for this species are Mexican tea, Wormseed, Chenopode, Apasote, Semen contra, American wormseed, Pazote, Simon contegras, Paico, Herbe a vers, Mexican tea, Mastruco, Paiku, Cashua, Payco, Anserina, Jerusalem tea, Wurmsamen, Mastruz, Camatai and Ambroisie du mexique.

History

Epazote is inherent to South America, Central America and Southern Mexico. Today it has been cultivated and naturalized worldwide. Throughout Mesoamerica, it has been used for centuries to eliminate the parasitic worms present in the body. It is believed to possess antiasthmatic, pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="analgesic" data-rx-definition="An analgesic is a pain-relieving medicine. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যথানাশক ওষুধ।">analgesic, vermifuge and stomachic. The plant is soaked in the boiling water and consumed as infusion. The oil is used as a poultice to treat insect bites and athlete’s foot.

Previously, Epazote as classified scientifically in the genus Chenopodium with 150 species which are called Goosefoots. Epazote is again reclassified in the genus Dysphania.

Nutritional Value

Epazote is loaded with nutritional punch and offers Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Vitamin A. Each 0.8 grams contains 0.025 mg of manganese, 2 µg of folate, 0.02 mg of iron, 1 mg of magnesium, 5 mg of potassium and 0.01 mg of zinc.

Health Benefits of Epazote

Epazote is added as an ingredient in preparing traditional Mexican dishes such as tamales, enchilada, black beans, salsa and mole. It is the vital ingredient for pinto bean recipes. It is used to treat malaria, respiratory infection, asthma and cholera. Besides its strong flavor, it provides various beneficial properties. It also effectively eliminates the harmful organisms from the body.

Gastrointestinal health

Epazote possess the meaningful amount of fiber which helps to enhance the digestive process and promotes the bowel movements. It enhances the gastrointestinal system efficiency, lowers constipation, bloating, cramping and other serious ailments. Traditionally, Epazote removes the flatulence and indigestion. (1)

Lose weight

100 grams of Epazote provides only 32 calories. This plant is loaded with enormous organic compounds and nutrients that are required for the body. The one who are trying to lose some weight should include Epazote which helps to keep full for longer period of time.

Treatment of worms

Traditionally, Epazote was used to treat various types of worms in the body. Roundworms and Hookworms are defeated with the active ingredients found in Epazote. It is an effective choice for those people where basic sanitary conditions and water filtration are not available.

Effective metabolism

Vitamin B complex is a vital element to maintain overall health. As their roles in maintaining human health may differ, it is related with efficiency and strength of metabolism. Epazote provides a meaningful amount of Vitamin B notably folic acid. Epazote provides about 50% of folic acid of daily recommended value which is necessary for the growth and development.

Enhance immune system

Epazote contains an adequate amount of Vitamin A, antioxidant compounds and other carotenes which are required for the immune system. An antioxidant properties prevents the damage of free radicals and also eliminates it as it is the main cause for various cancer types and chronic disease. (2)

Healthy bones

Epazote contains various amounts of minerals which help to prevent bone ailments caused due to age. The adequate amount of phosphorus, copper, calcium, zinc and manganese helps to maintain the mineral density and prevent fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।" data-rx-term="osteoporosis" data-rx-definition="Osteoporosis means weak, fragile bones with higher fracture risk. সহজ বাংলা: হাড় দুর্বল হয়ে ভাঙার ঝুঁকি বেশি।">osteoporosis which means that the bones will be healthy and strong in later years.

Heart ailments

Potassium acts as vasodilator which helps to relax the blood vessels and lower the tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।" data-rx-term="strain" data-rx-definition="A strain is injury to a muscle or tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।">strain on the cardiovascular system which helps to reduce the chances of atherosclerosis and prevent the chances of strokes and heart attacks. (3)

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Drink safe fluids and monitor temperature.
In dengue-prone areas, discuss CBC and platelet count when fever persists or warning signs appear.
Use tepid sponging for high fever discomfort; avoid ice-cold bathing.

OTC medicine safety

For fever, common fever medicine may be discussed with a clinician or pharmacist.
Avoid aspirin/ibuprofen-like medicines in suspected dengue unless a doctor says it is safe.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Fever with breathing difficulty, confusion, repeated vomiting, bleeding, severe weakness, stiff neck, or dehydration needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Doctor / qualified healthcare provider

Tests to discuss with doctor

Basic vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen level if needed
Relevant blood, urine, imaging, or specialist tests only after clinical assessment

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

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Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.