Epazote

Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) Common Names: Jesuit's tea, Mexican tea, wormseed An annual or short-lived perennial herb native to the Americas, growing up to 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall with oblong-lanceolate leaves and small green flowers in branched panicles. Cultivated in warm temperate to subtropical regions, including Europe and the United States. Traditionally used in Mexican and Central American cuisine, particularly with beans for its distinctive flavor and reputed carminative (gas-reducing) properties. Also used in herbalism as a vermifuge (expelling intestinal worms). Warning: Contains ascaridole, a volatile oil that is toxic in large doses. Use sparingly as a culinary herb; excessive consumption may cause dizziness, nausea, or more severe toxicity. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Do not use the essential oil internally.