Intro
Studied extensively for gut health, a potent anti-parasite remedy. Helpful for menstruation issues and is used as a traditional remedy. Shown to boost bone health and repair. Reduced pain in both arthritis and osteoporosis and reduced pain due to complications with parasitic infections.
Especially effective against Ascaris and Hookworm, less so against pinworms.
Historically a potent anti-parasite herb that has worked its way into modern cooking in problematic water regions, particularly in Mexico.
It is commonly believed that it prevents flatulence caused when consuming beans, which is why it is used to flavour them. Prominently used as a herb with cooked beans to avoid flatulence.
The leaves are used for both flavourings and as herbal tea. Paico is known for its pungent strong flavour. Particularly resiny, it has been described as a flavour between bitter Fennel Oregano and Anise. A popular flavouring for beans and pulses.
Also used as a natural pesticide, due to its ascaridole content. Naturally preventing other plants from growing close. Ideal to create a perimeter ring around crops.
Dosage and Preparation
Bring 700ml filtered water in a stainless steel pan to a boil.
2 tablespoons of the root and let steep for 10 minutes. Roots can be left in the pan and reused 2-3 times over 2 days, with strength increasing as the leaves break down.
Names
- Dysphania Ambrosioides
- Chenopodium Ambrosioides
- Jesuit’s Tea
- Mexican-Tea
- Payqu (Paico)
- Epazote
- Mastruz
- Herba Sanctæ Mariæ
Medicinal Component
- Ascaridole (1,4-Peroxido-P-Menth-2-Ene) Approximately 70%.
- Chenopodium (Athelmintic)
- Limonene
- P-Cymene
- Monoterpenes, Monoterpene Derivatives (Trans-Isocarveol, Pinene, Terpinene, Thymol, Myrcene And Camphor).
Scientifically Studied Medicinal Effects
- Bone Repair/Osteoporosis PUBMED 28742256 PMID: 32500599
- Anti Malaria PMID: 27492200
- Natural Pesticide PMID: 33866878 PMID: 28965298 PMID: 34669244
- Anti-Parasite PMID: 24757495 PMID: 18035510 PMID: 32858197
- Anti-inflammatory, pain, wound healing PMID: 23123797 PMID: 30502468 PMID: 26524084
- Anti-arthritic PMID: 29708588 PMID: 26524084
- Antimicrobial PMID: 28504841
- Antioxidant PMID: 34885883
- Vascular disease PMID: 33918492
- Dysmenorrhea & Amenorrhea (Menstruation issues)
- Chorea (Movement disorder)
- Hysteria
- Colds and Asthma
Indigenous Historical Uses
- Anti Parasitic
- Gut Health
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Pain
- Wound Healing
- Menstruation
Side effects
Large doses of isolated essential oil can be fatal due to ascaridole content. Issues beginning with gastrointestinal distress.
It is contraindicated in pregnancy and renal insufficiency. The essential oil can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, bloody vomiting, and tremor in the feet and hands. At high doses, the essential oil can cause irritation of the renal parenchyma and even death due to paralysis of the bulbar respiratory centres. It is recommended not to prescribe the essential oil internally.
History
It is believed that Paico tea was introduced to Europe in 1577 by Francisco Hernandez de Toledo. A physician to King Philip II. In its first mention in the western world, it was first known as Epazote. In the Old World and where the medicinal virtues were already granted by the natives of Mexico, it was used extensively as anthelmintic, an aid to eliminate intestinal parasites. It is also used as an antispasmodic.
In the Canary Islands, where it is known as Pasote, it is used as a medicinal plant, in infusion, for digestive problems.
Habitat
An annual or short-lived perennial herb found in South America, Central America, and parts of Mexico.
Also found in subtropical climates of both the US and Europe where it is often thought of as an invasive weed.
Appearance
Usually collected before seeding when 1000s small seeds are created.
Just over 1 metre in height at its max, irregularly branched oblong-lanceolate leaves of a max of 12 cm.
Small and green flowers in a branched panicle grow up in an apex from the stem.
