Epazote: Discover its Health Benefits and Uses
Have you ever heard of epazote (pronounced eh-puh-ZOE-tay)? Epazote is a herb with a long history of use as a spice in Latin American cuisine and as an effective, natural remedy for eliminating harmful organisms from the digestive tract. [1] With a scientific name Dysphania ambrosioides (formerly chenopodium ambrosioides), this green leafy vegetable is native to Central America, southern Mexico, and South America. It is believed that the Mayans were among the first to harness the many benefits of this herb. [1]
Health Benefits of Epazote
Evidence suggests epazote could be useful to support a healthy intestinal environment and create a body environment that is not welcoming to harmful organisms. [1] Other studies show it’s useful for promoting general gastrointestinal health. [2] [3] [4] Some research has shown it to have strong antioxidant and soothing qualities. [5]
Studies on the oil extracted from epazote (known commonly as chenopodium oil) have shown to be effective against fungus. [6] Be cautious, however, as chenopodium oil, can be toxic and cause adverse effects if consumed in extreme quantities. [7]
Nutritional Facts of Epazote
For such a small plant, epazote can really pack a nutritional punch and offers vitamin A, B-vitamins, vitamin C, and more. Each 2 gram serving contains calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, zinc, and small amounts of dietary fiber and protein. [8]
| Nutrient | Per 100g | 1 tbsp (0.8g) | 1 sprig (2g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein (g) | 0.33 g | 0.00 | 0.01 |
| Dietary Fiber (g) | 3.8 g | 0 g | 0.1 g |
| Vitamin A (IU) | 57 IU | 0 IU | 1 IU |
| Vitamin B-6 (mg) | 0.152 mg | 0.001 mg | 0.003 mg |
| Folate (µg) | 215 µg | 2 µg | 4 µg |
| Thiamin (mg) | 0.028 mg | 0.000 mg | 0.001 mg |
| Riboflavin (mg) | 0.348 mg | 0.003 mg | 0.007 mg |
| Niacin (mg) | 0.639 mg | 0.005 mg | 0.013 mg |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 3.6 mg | 0.0 mg | 0.1 mg |
| Calcium (mg) | 275 mg | 2 mg | 6 mg |
| Iron (mg) | 1.88 mg | 0.02 mg | 0.04 mg |
| Magnesium (mg) | 121 mg | 1 mg | 2 mg |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 86 mg | 1 mg | 2 mg |
| Potassium (mg) | 633 mg | 5 mg | 13 mg |
| Zinc (mg) | 1.10 mg | 0.01 mg | 0.02 mg |
Modern Use
Epazote is a pungent herb that can add a nice kick to your next meal. It is used in Mexican, especially Yucatecan, dishes. Add epazote to black beans or make an herbal tea. Just remember that it's strong and a little can go a long way!
Because epazote is a wonderful herb packed with many nutrients, we have included it as a key ingredient in the harmful organism cleansing supplement, Paratrex®. Paratrex is a vegan friendly, gluten-free product designed to work in tandem with your diet. Each bottle of this all-natural blend contains epazote to promote detoxification and help create an environment that's hostile to harmful invaders.
References (8)
- United States Botanical Garden. Epazote
- Ortega, F. A Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Anthelminthic Intervention for Community Control of Ascariasis: Traditional vs. Pharmaceutical Therapy.Oregon State University.
- Ávila-Blanco, M. E. et al. Amoebicidal Activity of Essential Oil of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants in an Amoebic Liver Abscess Hamster Model.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
- Trivellato Grassi, L. et al. From popular use to pharmacological validation: a study of the anti-inflammatory, anti-nociceptive and healing effects of Chenopodium ambrosioides extract. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
- Song K1, Zhang J, Zhang P, Wang HQ, Liu C, Li BM, Kang J, Chen RY. Five new bioactive compounds from Chenopodium ambrosioides. J Asian Nat Prod Res. 2015 May;17(5):482-90. doi: 10.1080/10286020.2015.1042872. Epub 2015 May 22.
- Jardim CM1, Jham GN, Dhingra OD, Freire MM. Composition and antifungal activity of the essential oil of the Brazilian Chenopodium ambrosioides L. J Chem Ecol. 2008 Sep;34(9):1213-8. doi: 10.1007/s10886-008-9526-z. Epub 2008 Aug 5
- Montoya-Cabrera MA1, Escalante-Galindo P, Meckes-Fisher M, Sánchez-Vaca G, Flores-Alvarez E, Reynoso-García M. Fatal poisoning caused by oil of epazote, Chenopodium graveolens Gac Med Mex. 1996 Jul-Aug;132(4):433-7.
- "FoodData Central Search Results." U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central Search Results. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
