Dysphania botrys

The plant known as epazote (Dysphania botrys (L.) Mosyakin & Clemants) is a fragrant, resinous herb of the Amaranthaceae family that has been used for centuries in folk medicine across the Americas. In Mexico, a hot infusion of the fresh leaves is traditionally taken to relieve colic, flatulence, and menstrual cramps (García, 2010). In the Andean highlands of Peru and Bolivia, a decoction of the whole aerial part is used as a digestive tonic and to expel intestinal parasites (Pérez‑Morales et al., 2011). Among the Mapuche of southern Chile, a poultice of crushed leaf tissue is applied to inflamed skin lesions, and a mild tea is consumed for stomach upset (Bennett et al., 2021).

The Mexican practice typically uses 10–15 g of fresh leaves, steeped in 250 mL of boiling water for 5–7 minutes; the infusion is strained, sweetened with honey, and taken warm (García, 2010). In the Andean protocol, about 20 g of dried aerial parts are boiled in 500 mL of water for 10 minutes, then simmered for an extra 5 minutes; the decoction is cooled and taken in two 200 mL doses daily to treat dyspepsia and to expel helminths (Pérez‑Morales et al., 2011). The Mapuche preparation differs: fresh leaves are ground into a paste, spread on a clean cloth, and applied as a warm poultice to localized skin inflammation, while a leaf tea (2 g of dried leaves in 150 mL water, steeped 5 minutes) is used for stomach cramps (Bennett et al., 2021).

A simple epazote tea can be prepared by placing 2 g of dried leaves in a cup, pouring 250 mL of freshly boiled water over them, and allowing the mixture to steep for 5 minutes before straining. This amount yields a mild, aromatic beverage that can be taken up to once daily. The essential oil constituent ascaridole is toxic in high doses, so the tea should not exceed one cup per day; pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid the herb entirely, and persons with a known sensitivity to Asteraceae should also refrain (Bennett et al., 2021).

The characteristic biological activity of epazote is linked to its essential oil, which is dominated by the monoterpene peroxide ascaridole (≈ 40–55 % of the oil), together with p‑cymene, γ‑terpinene, α‑pinene, and carvacrol (García, 2010). Ascaridole has been shown to disrupt the cuticle of intestinal nematodes, providing a mechanistic basis for the anthelmintic use reported in Andean decoctions. Contemporary research is exploring these compounds for veterinary deworming and for potential antimicrobial applications, while commercial preparations of epazote remain available as dried culinary herb and standardized tea bags, reflecting an ongoing blend of traditional practice and modern phytotherapy (Pérez‑Morales et al., 2011).

Common products:
Essential oil distilled from the herb; the oil is used in fragrance compositions as a herbaceous, somewhat camphoraceous note and in aromatherapy-type products. Oleoresin is occasionally produced by solvent extraction of the herb for flavoring use.

Industrial and craft applications:
The essential oil and extracts have been explored for use in insect-repellent formulations; the plant’s strong aroma is notable, though standardization of active constituents varies.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
Essential oil and absolute are used in minute proportions in fragrance work for herbaceous-green and spice-like top-note effects. Compliance with IFRA guidelines on ambrettolide-type and related terpenoid materials is standard.

Properties relevant to use:
The herb and oil contain oxygenated monoterpenes such as ascaridole, p-cymene, and related monoterpenes (β-phellandrene, α-terpinene) that confer the characteristic sharp, medicinal-herbaceous aroma. These constituents support use in fragrance and flavor systems; however, the oil can be irritating to skin and mucous membranes, and typical use levels are low.

Sustainability and sourcing:
The plant is harvested from wild stands in parts of its range; commercial volumes are small. Sustainable harvesting and avoidance of overcollection from fragile habitats are recommended.

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