![]() ![]() However, the levels of this oil needed to kill worms is very close to what would be fatal to humans, too. To expel the dead worms from the body, a laxative was also taken. The ascaridole oil found in Epazote leaves is used as a deworming (vermifuge) agent and was taken as a tea made from the leaves and seeds to rid the humans and animals of tapeworms, ringworms, and other parasitic worms. Due to the high concentration of ascaridole in the seeds, I don't recommend eating them like lamb's quarter seeds. The leaves can be dried but fresh is preferred when cooking.Įpazote flowers and seeds resemble those of lamb's quarter, with the flowers being tiny, green, and numerous and the seeds being tiny and brown. A side effect of this "pre-digestion" is the gas-producing effects of beans is reduced. Why is it added to beans? Well, it turns out Epazote contains some compounds that are particularly good at breaking down bean proteins, making them more readily digested by the human body. It's hard to believe something who's name translates into "skunk sweat" is used heavily in cooking! But throughout the ages it has been a key flavor in South American dishes, especially in the areas of the Yucatan and Veracruz areas of Mexico.Ĭonsidering how strong of flavor it has only a few leaves are needed to impart the correct citrusy tones to bean dishes. Other people think it smells more like brake fluid or some sort of industrial cleaner. To me the crushed leaves smell like lemons soaked in gasoline. The most distinctive part of this plant is its scent. By the end of its growing season it can be five feet tall and somewhat leggy. Trimming its top will cause multiple sprouts continuing to grow from the cut spot. This plant will branch out some, usually from near the bottom of the plant. Epazote leaves alternate up the stem and look like elongated versions of lamb's quarter leaves. If you are familiar with lamb's quarter's appearance you're half way to identifying this plant. Department of Agriculture.ĭisturbed, sandy soil along woodland borders is the most likely place to find the ancient herb. North American distribution, attributed to U. Plants may appear in other counties, especially if used in landscaping. Note how the veins run to the points along the edge of the leaf. ![]() ~1% of the population suffers an allergic reaction to epazote Scientific Name(s): Dysphania ambrosioides (formerly Chenopodium ambrosoides)ĭangers: use sparingly as a herb as high doses can be poisonous. ![]()
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