THE MANY BENEFITS OF EPAZOTE

A TASTY ADDITION TO YOUR MEDICAL KIT

- Christopher Nyerges

NAME: EPAZOTE

(Dysphania ambrosioides); (formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides)

Epazote is also known as Mexican tea or wormseed and is a member of the goosefoot family.

DESCRIPTION

Probably the most distinctive aspect of epazote is its unique aroma. And when seen for the first time, it might appear as a somewhat ragged and darker-green lamb’s quarter (to which it’s related).

The plant has a branched stem that can reach up to about 3 feet. Its shiny, green leaves are elliptical, 2 to 5 inches long and sometimes reddish-tinged or blotched. Epazote’s uniquely aromatic leaves are arranged alternately. The undulating leaf margin is slightly or entirely toothed. The leaf surface is hairless, although it might be slightly “tomentose” (covered with densely matted hairs) when very young.

WHERE FOUND