rare Organic herb Seeds.

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Epazote’ is a 1-3 foot herb that is most commonly used as a culinary ingredient in Mexican cuisine as well as a flatulence preventative. Epazote’ reportedly means “skunk stench” in Aztec. It was originally used in cooking by the Mayans of southern Mexico, and similar use has persisted until today. Emitting a bitter flavor, it is often added to refried beans and chili sauces.

As a medicinal herb, epazote’ is used for the treatment of skin diseases (such as eczema), ulcers and wounds. The seed and flower oil is highly toxic, and it is used to kill parasites and worms in both humans and livestock. It is antispasmodic and reportedly has anti-timor properties. In Africa it is used for colds and stomach aches. It is even used as a dye.

The plant and seed have a long history of use among all indigenous people in every region where the plant grows. The seed oil, first isolated for commercial use in 1895, was subsequently officially listed in the US Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for ascarids and hookworms in humans, cats, dogs, horses, and pigs.

A 1970s WHO study reported a 20 gm dose of leaf decoction rapidly expelled parasites - no side effects were reported. In 1996 a clinical trial showed anti-parasitic efficacy in over half of Ascaris parasite cases treated with extract of leaf, and complete effectiveness in treating the more common intestinal parasites, Ancilostoma and Trichuris. Complete effectiveness has also been reported in eliminating human tapeworm.

Epazote has been shown to have toxic action against drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Properties: Antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-tumorous, insecticidal, antacid, digestive stimulant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-ulcer, carminative, digestive stimulant, diuretic, laxative, menstrual stimulant, nervine, sedative, and tonic. It is used in treating coughs, asthma, bronchitis, other upper respiratory conditions, and tuberculosis.

Externally the decoction is used for treating hemorrhoids, bruises, wounds, contusions and fractures.

Growing Information:

The seeds should be surface sown. Your soil temperature should be between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Epazote’ enjoys full sun and regular watering. It can be grown even in poor and rocky soils. It is considered a perennial in zones 8-9 and generally will grow as an annual elsewhere. Harvest time typically occurs in 55 days. Plants tend to self-seed readily and can become invasive.

50 seeds