Epazote, an ancient medicinal treasure

Epazote

, also known as Mexican tea, wormseed, Jesuit's tea, Mexican-tea, payqu, mastruz , or herbs sanctæ Mariæ , is a herb that has been used since pre-colonial times to season food but it has also been used as a medicinal plant.

The word epazote comes from “epazotl” in Náhuatl and it's used to season delicious dishes such as tortilla soup, beans, esquites , and pancita .

But this herb is not only great for seasoning, according to the UNAM these are some of its medicinal properties :

1. Antiparasitic effect

The regular intake of epazote is great for the digestive system since it has an antiparasitic effect ; therefore, it eliminates and expels the parasites in the organism. It also has an anti-diarrhoeal and laxative effect.

2. Alleviates respiratory diseases

According to the Atlas of the Traditional Mexican Medicine Plants , epazote can be used to cure cough, colds, and influenza as it decongests and soothes the symptoms caused by these illnesses .

3. Anti-inflammatory effect

Regularly drinking a cup of epazote tea can help alleviate hemorrhoids symptoms.

4. Natural analgesic

Drinking epazote tea is an ancestral tradition. The tea is made using dry epazote leaves . Since it is a natural anti-inflammatory , it alleviates pain , including cramps .

5. Expectorant effect

Thanks to its aroma and antiseptic properties , epazote is useful to alleviate coughing , since it helps the organism to expel phlegm .

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