Botanical Overview
Latin Name: Dysphania ambrosioides
Family: Amaranthaceae
Parts Used: Leaf, aerial parts
Common Names: Epazote, American wormseed, Mexican tea, Herba Sancti Mariæ
Energetics
Warming and drying in nature, with bitter and pungent tastes. It exhibits a descending directionality and relaxing tonicity affecting qi.
Primary Actions
- Anthelmintic
- Carminative
- Spasmolytic
- Antimicrobial
- Digestive stimulant
Indications
Western
- Intestinal worms
- Digestive discomfort
- Flatulence
- Colic
- Asthma
- Respiratory congestion
Syndromes
- Parasitic infections
- Gastrointestinal spasms
- Bronchial spasms
TCM
No documented traditional uses.
Ayurveda
No documented traditional uses.
Unani
No documented traditional uses.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains phytochemicals such as ascaridole, isoascaridole, p-cymene, terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to its anthelmintic, spasmolytic, and antimicrobial activities.
Dosage & Preparations
- Infusion: 1-2 g dried herb per cup, 1-3 times daily
- Tincture (1:5 in ethanol 40%): 2-5 mL, 2-3 times daily
- Essential oil used topically in diluted form only due to toxicity
Safety & Contraindications
Use with caution due to toxicity risk especially from ascaridole at high doses. Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, children, and liver impairment. Possible CNS symptoms and nausea if overdosed.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable sources found for planetary or elemental correspondences.
Selected References
- Medicinal Plants of the World – Dysphania ambrosioides (Plants For A Future, 2013)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 1 (World Health Organization, 1999)
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects – Dysphania ambrosioides (I. M. Tiwari, 2011)
- NIH – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – Herbs at a glance