Selection and storage

Epazote is available year-round in the stores specializing Latin American herbs. One may also find dried leaves in the spice stores.

While buying the herb, look for fresh, small, young tender leaves as mature leaves can be pungent and strong scented. Avoid large, flower stems with yellow or wilted leaves. Once at home, store unwashed in the refrigerator as other greens, wrapped in a dampen towel.

Preparation and serving methods:

Epazote has a strong pungent flavor with a hint of petroleum and mint smell dominating. Its leaves, fresh or dried, and young shoots are being used as a seasoning in the dishes in Mexican, Chilean and other South American regions.

To prepare, wash the leaves in cold water as in other greens and herbs. Few leaves or 1-2 sprigs are just enough to flavor the whole food. It is mainly added in the traditional black bean recipes to improve digestion.

Here are some cooking tips:

Epazote omelet with pickled ramp.

Photo courtesy: yuco chan

Fresh epazote leaves added to flavor corn-based recipes like gordita (corn dumplings) and bocoles (cornmeal cakes).

The herb is used in traditional Mexican mole sauce with other ingredients like tomato, bell pepper, tomatillo, annatto, etc.

Fresh leaves used in black (Frijoles negros) and pinto bean stews.

Contrary to its name, Epazote herb is not used to make tea but to make an herbal infusion which is later used in the recipes. Traditional Yucatan lime and chicken soups use this decoction.

Quesadillas con Epazote, is a cheese stuffed tortilla which uses the herb as one of the ingredients along with potatoes, mushrooms, egg, etc.

Medicinal uses of epazote herb

Epazote has been found in the traditional medicines in many Central and South American cultures. Its infusion is a popular household remedy for helminthic infestation. Usually, a half-to-one cup of a leaf decoction is given each morning before the meal for three consecutive days as treatment.

The herb is an excellent remedy for stomach and intestinal ailments like indigestion, cramps, and ulcers.

Its decoction has been found to have some anti-diabetic properties. Further, certain trial studies suggest it hold hope for some liver cirrhosis and cancers.

The herb parts should not be included in the nursing and pregnant mothers for its possible toxic effects. (Medical disclaimer).

Safety profile

Important: Epazote herb parts should not be consumed by the nursing and pregnant mothers for its possible toxic effects. (Medical disclaimer).

Epazote (wormseed) should be used in small quantities. Its seed oil rather contains a large concentration of ascaridole and other monoterpenes. When taken internally, these chemicals in the oil may cause extensive damage to liver, kidney, cause rhythm disturbances in the heart and nervous systems. For the same reason, wormseed oil is banned by IFRA (International Fragrance Association) for both external and internal use of its products.

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