Health Guide

Wormseed

Wormseed (*Chenopodium ambrosioides*), also known as Epazote or Mexican Tea, is a potent herb with a controversial history. While traditionally used as a culinary herb in Mexico for its distinct flavor, it has been used for centuries in folk medicine as a powerful antiparasitic. However, the term 'Wormseed' often refers to a dangerous chemical extract called *santonin*, which is now largely banned due to toxicity. This guide focuses on the safe, culinary use of the plant and the critical safety distinction between the herb and dangerous chemical extracts.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Toxicity Risk: Herb vs Extract

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Toxicity Risk Level

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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Intestinal Parasite Cleanse: The essential oil (santonin) is historically proven to kill intestinal worms (specifically roundworms and pinworms).
Digestive Aid: Helps relieve gas, bloating, and cramping (carminative properties).
Respiratory Support: Traditionally used to clear phlegm and ease coughing.

Deep Dive

The medicinal power of Wormseed comes primarily from a compound called santonin. In the past, this was extracted from the plant's seeds to treat parasitic infections. While effective, santonin is a neurotoxin that can cause severe side effects like seizures and vision changes. Today, modern medicine uses synthetic alternatives that are much safer.

However, consuming the fresh Epazote herb (the leaves) in food is generally safe. It contains milder amounts of the active compounds and acts as a gentle digestive aid. It is a staple in beans and soups, helping to reduce the gas-inducing effects of legumes while offering a mild antimicrobial effect.

Natural Food Sources

Wormseed is not a vitamin found in standard produce, but the plant itself is consumed as a leafy herb.

Food	Amount	% DV
Fresh Epazote Leaves	1/4 cup (4g)	N/A
Dried Epazote	1 tsp (1g)	N/A
Wormseed Tea	1 cup	N/A

Supplementation

Do not attempt to extract your own oil.

Culinary Use: Use fresh or dried leaves sparingly in cooking (beans, quesadillas, soups).
Medicinal Use: Historically, 1–2 grams of dried seeds or 0.2–0.4 ml of oil was used. This is not recommended today. If you suspect a parasitic infection, consult a doctor for modern, safe antiparasitic medication (mebendazole/albendazole).

Top Food Sources

Epazote Leaves (Fresh)

Use 2-3 leaves per pot of beans

Epazote Leaves (Dried)

Use 1/2 tsp per pot

Wormseed Tea

Made from seeds (Use with extreme caution)

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The dosage required to kill worms in pets is very close to the toxic dose. Never give wormseed or santonin to pets without strict veterinary supervision.

Yes, Epazote grows easily in warm climates. Be aware that it self-seeds aggressively and can take over a garden patch.

The smell comes from essential oils like ascaridole and limonene. This strong aroma is what gives it its unique flavor in cooking.

The fresh or dried herb (Epazote) is legal and sold in specialty markets. The concentrated chemical 'Santonin' is illegal in most jurisdictions.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety & Warnings

CRITICAL: There is a major difference between the culinary herb and the chemical extract.

Chemical Extract (Santonin): Highly toxic. Banned in many countries. Causes vomiting, seizures, and permanent vision damage. NEVER USE.
Culinary Herb (Epazote): Generally safe in small amounts (as a spice).

Who should avoid the herb?

Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Can induce uterine contractions.
Children: Should not be given medicinal doses.
Epileptics: The plant contains compounds that may trigger seizures in susceptible individuals.

Scientific References

[1]Baldwin, G. C. (1948). *The Pharmacology of Chenopodium ambrosioides*. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
[2]WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (1999). *Chenopodium ambrosioides*.
[3]Guarrera, P. M. (2005). *Traditional phytotherapy in Central Italy*. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.