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Herb Profile: Epazote (Semen Contra / Semi Contra)

Semi Contra (Epazote)

Botanical Information

  • Scientific Name: Dysphania ambrosioides (formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides)
  • Family: Amaranthaceae
  • Common Names: Epazote, Semen Contra, Semi Contra, Wormseed, Mexican Tea, Jesuit’s Tea, Herba Sancti Mariæ, Paico, Pazote
  • Native Range: Central and South America, naturalized in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Africa

  • Plant Description:

    • Annual or short-lived perennial herb, growing to 1–1.2 meters (3–4 feet) tall.
    • Leaves: Lanceolate, serrated, 2–12 cm long, with a pungent, camphor-like aroma due to volatile oils.
    • Flowers: Small, green, clustered in spikes, blooming in summer.
    • Seeds: Tiny, black, used medicinally and referred to as “wormseed.”
    • Aroma and Taste: Strong, pungent, slightly citrusy, and bitter flavor.

Historical and Cultural Context

  • Origins: Used for centuries in Mesoamerican cultures, particularly by the Maya and Aztecs, for culinary and medicinal purposes.

  • Regional Names:

    • Jamaica: Known as Semi Contra, used in herbal teas for digestive and anti-parasitic remedies (Jamaica Herbal).
    • Haiti and Latin America: Called Semen Contra, meaning “against seeds” (worms) (Naturalish).
    • Other Names: Mexican Tea or Jesuit’s Tea from use by European settlers and missionaries.
  • Historical Use: Documented since the 1800s, with Yucatan Indians using it for culinary flavouring and as a vermifuge (Tea of Life).
  • Cultural Significance: A staple in Caribbean and Latin American herbal traditions, often cited in X posts for its role in cleansing teas and digestive remedies.

Medicinal Uses

Epazote is valued for its potent anti-parasitic, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties, supported by traditional knowledge and limited modern research.

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1. Vermifuge (Anti-Parasitic)

  • Use: Expels intestinal parasites, including roundworms (Ascaris lumbricoides), hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.), and pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis).
  • Active Compound: Ascaridole (up to 70% of essential oil), a monoterpene peroxide that disrupts parasite metabolism.

  • Traditional Evidence:

    • Maya and Aztec use for parasitic infections (Tea of Life).
    • Jamaican herbalists use Semi Contra tea for worms (Jamaica Herbal).
    • Haitian decoctions of Semen Contra for parasite expulsion (Naturalish).

  • Modern Research:

    • Phytotherapy Research (2007): Ascaridole effective against Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. in vitro.
    • Animal studies show reduced parasitic loads, but high doses are toxic.

  • Mechanism: Ascaridole may damage parasite cell membranes and inhibit reproduction.

2. Carminative and Digestive Aid

  • Use: Relieves bloating, flatulence, and indigestion; commonly added to bean dishes to improve digestibility.
  • Mechanism: Volatile oils (limonene, p-cymene) stimulate bile production and relax gastrointestinal muscles.

  • Cultural Use:

    • Mexican cuisine uses Epazote in beans to prevent gas (pre-Columbian practice).
    • Caribbean teas for stomach discomfort (e.g. Jamaica).
  • Research: Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2014) supports carminative effects based on traditional use.

3. Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic

  • Use: Reduces inflammation and pain (e.g., arthritis, menstrual cramps, minor wounds).
  • Mechanism: Flavonoids and antioxidants may reduce inflammatory markers.

  • Traditional Application:

    • Poultices of crushed leaves for joint pain or skin irritations (Latin American traditions).
    • Teas for menstrual discomfort in Haiti (Naturalish).
  • Research: Limited clinical data; ethnobotanical surveys support use.
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4. Antimicrobial and Antifungal Potential

  • Use: May combat bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and fungi (Candida albicans).
  • Evidence: Fitoterapia (2010) found Epazote essential oil inhibited bacterial strains in vitro.
  • Traditional Context: Less common, but Caribbean healers use teas for infections.

5. Other Uses

  • Respiratory Support: Anecdotal use for colds or asthma (expectorant properties).
  • Antispasmodic: Helps with muscle spasms or colic (Mexican herbalism).

Culinary Uses

  • Flavour Profile: Pungent, slightly citrusy, bitter; used sparingly to avoid overpowering dishes.

  • Common Dishes:

    • Mexican Cuisine: Beans, soups, tamales, moles.
    • Caribbean: Stews or tea bases.

  • Preparation Tips:

    • Fresh leaves preferred for stronger flavour; dried leaves are milder.
    • Add toward the end of cooking to preserve aroma.
  • Availability: Found in Latin American markets, health food stores, or grown at home.

Chemical Composition

  • Key Compounds:

    • Ascaridole: Anti-parasitic, toxic in high doses.
    • Monoterpenes (limonene, p-cymene): Digestive and aromatic properties.
    • Flavonoids: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Note: Ascaridole’s volatility requires careful dosing in medicinal use.

Safety and Precautions

  • Toxicity: High doses (especially seed extracts or essential oil) can cause nausea, dizziness, liver damage, or convulsions; rare fatalities reported with wormseed oil.

  • Contraindications:

    • Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Risk of uterine contractions or fetal harm.
    • Children Under 12: High toxicity risk.
    • Liver/Kidney Issues: Avoid due to potential organ strain.

  • Dosage:

    • Culinary: Safe in small amounts (1–3 leaves per dish).
    • Medicinal: 1–2 teaspoons dried leaves per cup of tea, 1–2 times daily for short periods (3–5 days).
    • Essential oil/seeds: Use only under professional guidance.
  • Allergies: Rare; may cause skin irritation or respiratory reactions.
  • Drug Interactions: Limited data; caution with liver-metabolized medications.

Cultivation and Harvesting

  • Growing Conditions: Thrives in warm climates, tolerates poor soils, prefers full sun. Easily grown from seeds or cuttings.
  • Harvesting: Collect leaves before flowering for optimal flavour; seeds for medicinal use (handle with care).
  • Sustainability: Can be invasive due to prolific seeding; manage carefully.

Clarification on Artemisia cina

  • Distinction: Artemisia cina (Levant Wormseed, Asteraceae family) contains santonin, is more toxic, and is rarely used today. Occasionally called “Semen Contra” in older texts but not synonymous with Epazote.
  • Verification: Jamaica Herbal, Naturalish confirm Dysphania ambrosioides as Semen Contra/Semi Contra in Caribbean and Latin American contexts.

Modern Research

  • Anti-Parasitic: Ascaridole’s efficacy validated in vitro (Phytotherapy Research, 2007).
  • Carminative: Traditional use supported (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014).
  • Antimicrobial: Preliminary inhibition of bacteria/fungi (Fitoterapia, 2010).
  • Limitations: Human clinical trials are scarce; most evidence is ethnobotanical or preclinical.

Herbal Recipes

Below are three traditional recipes for medicinal use, based on Caribbean and Latin American practices. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially for parasite treatment.

1. Epazote Tea for Digestive Relief

  • Purpose: Alleviates bloating, gas, and indigestion.

  • Ingredients:

    • 1–2 teaspoons dried Epazote leaves (or 3–5 fresh leaves)
    • 1 cup boiling water
    • Optional: Key lime juice

  • Instructions:

    1. Place leaves in a cup.
    2. Pour boiling water over leaves; steep for 5–10 minutes.
    3. Strain; add key lime juice if desired.
    4. Sip 1 cup daily after meals for 3–5 days.
  • Notes: Safe in moderation; common in Mexican and Jamaican traditions.
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2. Epazote Decoction for Parasite Cleanse

  • Purpose: Expels intestinal worms (e.g., roundworms, hookworms).

  • Ingredients:

    • 1 tablespoon dried Epazote leaves or seeds
    • 2 cups water
    • Optional: 1 teaspoon ginger (reduces nausea)

  • Instructions:

    1. Boil water in a pot.
    2. Add Epazote (and ginger, if using); simmer for 10–15 minutes.
    3. Strain and cool to a safe temperature.
    4. Drink ½ cup twice daily for 3 days, on an empty stomach.
    5. Follow with a mild laxative (e.g., prune juice).
  • Notes: Use under medical supervision; common in Haitian and Yucatan practices (Naturalish).

3. Epazote Poultice for Inflammation

  • Purpose: Reduces localized inflammation or pain (e.g., arthritis, minor wounds).

  • Ingredients:

    • 10–15 fresh Epazote leaves
    • Clean cloth or bandage
    • Optional: 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for soothing and binding)

  • Instructions:

    1. Crush leaves with a mortar and pestle until juicy.
    2. Mix with coconut oil, if using, to form a paste.
    3. Apply to affected area; cover with cloth for 20–30 minutes.
    4. Rinse with warm water. Use once daily for up to 3 days.
  • Notes: Test for allergies first; used in Latin American herbalism.

Practical Tips

  • Sourcing: Available fresh/dried in Latin American markets or online; grow from seeds at home.
  • Storage: Store dried leaves in an airtight container away from light (up to 1 year).
  • Cultural Tips: Combine with ginger in teas to enhance flavour and reduce side effects.

References

  1. Jamaica Herbal: Semi Contra for worms and digestion.
  2. Naturalish: Semen Contra in Haitian and Mexican traditions.
  3. Tea of Life: Yucatan use since the 1800s.
  4. Kandsi F, Elbouzidi A, Lafdil FZ, Meskali N, Azghar A, Addi M, Hano C, Maleb A, Gseyra N. Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Dysphania ambrosioides (L.) Mosyakin and Clemants Essential Oils: Experimental and Computational Approaches. Antibiotics (Basel). 2022 Apr 5;11(4):482. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics11040482. PMID: 35453233; PMCID: PMC9031865.
  5. Hewis, Lavisiony & Daeli, Giovanni & Tanoto, Kenjiro & Carlos, Carlos & Anania, Agnes. (2020). A Review of Botany, Phytochemical, and Pharmacological Effects of Dysphania ambrosioides. Indonesian Journal of Life Sciences. 2. 70-82. 10.54250/ijls.v2i2.42.
  6. Phytotherapy Research (2007), Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2014), Fitoterapia (2010): Scientific support for medicinal properties.
  7. Rafaela D. Sá. Anatomical and histochemical analysis of Dysphania ambrosioides supported by light and electron microscopy. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia 26 (2016) 533–543 – https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1016/j.bjp.2016.05.010.pdf

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