Epazote
EPAZOTE
Epazote is a pungent, sharp-edged herb that’s been flavoring pots of beans and protecting bellies in Mesoamerica since long before colonizers ever stepped foot on the continent. Known by the Nahuatl name epazotl, which means "skunky sweat plant" (and yes, that tracks), this bold green has been a staple in Indigenous medicine, ritual, and cuisine for thousands of years. It’s one of those plants that straddles the line between culinary brilliance and deep, old-world medicine.
Epazote is native to Mexico and Central America, where it grows wild in disturbed areas, along paths, and around the edges of gardens- just like the kind of plant that knows exactly where it’s needed most. The Aztecs, Maya, and other Indigenous peoples used epazote in both food and ceremony- not just to season dishes, but to cleanse the body, clear parasites, and ward off negative spiritual energy. It was known as a vermifuge, an herb that expels intestinal worms, and as a digestive ally that keeps heavy foods (like beans) from turning into bloating and gas.
In traditional Mexican herbalism, epazote is also a limpia plant- used in spiritual baths or sweeps to cleanse the energetic body. It was believed to clear mal aire (bad air), protect against susto (spiritual fright), and help realign someone when their energy was out of balance. It shows up in curanderismo, sobadas, and herbal infusions across the Southwest and Central America.
When the Spanish arrived, they tried to understand and catalog the plants they found- epazote was one of the earliest herbs written about in colonial medical texts, noted for its deworming and gut-cleansing effects. Over time, it made its way into European folk medicine, where it was used for similar purposes, although it never became as popular across the Atlantic as it remained at home in Mesoamerica.
Modern science backs up a lot of what traditional healers already knew- epazote contains compounds like ascaridole, limonene, and p-cymene, which have antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and digestive-stimulating effects. But it’s strong medicine, not meant to be used in high doses or over long periods, especially the essential oil, which can be toxic if misused. That’s why traditional preparation is so key- a leaf in the beans, a bit in a tea, a handful in a broth… not the whole plant slammed into a smoothie.
Today, epazote is still deeply alive in Mexican kitchens and healing traditions. You’ll find it growing alongside papalo, quelites, and other wild greens, waiting to be tossed into a pot of black beans, added to a postpartum broth, or brewed into a tea when the stomach’s in knots. It’s a kitchen witch’s plant, a healer’s ally, and a fierce protector of the gut, the spirit, and the space around you.
Medicinal Uses of Epazote
Antiparasitic (Vermifuge)
Traditionally used to expel intestinal worms and parasites
Especially effective against roundworms, hookworms, and amoebas
Gas and Bloating Relief
Reduces flatulence, especially when added to beans or heavy foods
Supports smoother digestion and prevents intestinal discomfort
Stomach Cramps and Colic
Soothes spasms in the intestinal tract
Used in teas or decoctions for cramping, bloating, and nausea
Expectorant and Bronchial Support
Helps clear mucus from the lungs and ease coughs
Used in traditional infusions for asthma, bronchitis, and congestion
Fights Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Contains ascaridole, a compound with strong antimicrobial effects
Used externally and internally for infections, though with care due to its potency
Mild Antiviral Support
Traditionally used for fevers, viral colds, and to support the immune system
Limpia and Spiritual Protection
Used in spiritual baths, sweeps, and burnings to remove negative energy, mal aire, or susto
Often included in rituals for energetic clearing and grounding
Postpartum Support (Traditional)
Included in postpartum broths or teas to warm the womb, prevent infection, and aid digestion
Poultice for Insect Bites and Skin Irritation
Crushed fresh leaves applied to itchy, inflamed, or irritated skin
Used to repel mosquitoes and other insects in folk practices
Common Preparations
Tea (infusion or decoction): For digestive issues, parasites, or mild respiratory symptoms
Culinary use (lightly cooked): Added to beans and stews to improve digestion and prevent gas
Tincture or extract: Less common due to potency, used in precise doses by herbalists
Poultice or infused oil: For topical application to bites, stings, or inflammation
Smudge or bath (limpia): For energetic or spiritual cleansing