Epazote Herb 100g, 50 g, 25 g

Epazote Herb  – 100 g ($15.99), 50 g ($10.99), 25 g ($7.99)

Benefits:
Nutrients  Epazote has largely been considered as a medicinal herb rather than a culinary plant. Epazote contains a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B (specifically folic acid), and vitamin C, as well as calcium, manganese, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, and zinc. It also contains dietary fiber and a small amount of protein.

	Serving Size :                                             100 g                                           1 tbsp (0.8 g)
Nutrient		Value	Value
Water [g]		89.21	0.71
Energy		32	0 kcal
Energy [kJ]		134	1 kg
Protein [g]		0.33	0 g
Total lipid (fat) [g]		0.52	0 g
Ash [g]		2.5	0.02
Carbohydrate, by difference [g]		7.44	0.06
Fiber, total dietary [g]		3.8
Calcium, Ca [mg]		275	2 mg
Iron, Fe [mg]		1.88	0.02 mg
Magnesium, Mg [mg]		121	1 mg
Phosphorus, P [mg]		86	1 mg
Potassium, K [mg]		633	5 mg
Sodium, Na [mg]		43	0 mg
Zinc, Zn [mg]		1.1	0.01 mg
Copper, Cu [mg]		0.19	0.002 mg
Manganese, Mn [mg]		3.1	0.025 mg
Selenium, Se [µg]		0.9
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg]		3.6
Thiamin [mg]		0.03
Riboflavin [mg]		0.35	0.003 mg
Niacin [mg]		0.64	0.005 mg
Pantothenic acid [mg]		0.18	0.001 mg
Vitamin B-6 [mg]		0.15	0.001 mg
Folate, total [µg]		215
Folate, food [µg]		215	2 µg
Folate, DFE [µg]		215	2 µg
Vitamin A, RAE [µg]		3
Carotene, beta [µg]		38
Vitamin A, IU [IU]		57
Sources include : USDA [3]

Gastrointestinal Effects  Like most other leafy, green vegetables, epazote has a significant level of fiber, which can help improve the digestive process and stimulates the smooth movement of the bowels. By improving the efficiency of the gastrointestinal system, epazote can reduce constipation, cramping, bloating, and even more serious conditions. Traditionally, however, epazote was most commonly used to eliminate flatulence and eliminate indigestion, both of which are always a good thing! ^[4]
Weight Loss  There are only 32 calories in 100 grams of epazote, yet this leafy green plant is packed with nutrients and organic compounds that your body needs. Therefore, if you are trying to lose weight, remain healthy, and feel full, this fiber- and nutrient-heavy plant is a very wise choice! ^[5]

The number of calories in epazote is incredibly low, making it a great choice of vegetables for anyone looking to shed a few pounds. There are only a tiny 32 calories per every 100 grams of epazote, which is hardly anything at all.

You would be forgiven for making the assumption that such a low-calorie vegetable would have hardly any nutritional benefit, but you’d be wrong. In fact, this leafy green herb is packed full of vital nutrients and healthy organic compounds that your body needs in order to maintain peak health. For people trying to lose weight, epazote is a food source that can help you feel fuller for longer, given its fiber laden nature.

The nutritious value is an added and very welcome bonus! Choosing epazote really could help you make that jump into losing weight and getting into the shape of your life. Give it a try.

Parasites – Worms  One of the other popular traditional uses of epazote was to treat worms of different types. Hookworms and roundworms, as well as other parasitic worms in the body, can be neutralized by the active ingredients in epazote, which makes it an ideal dietary choice for people where water filtration and basic sanitary conditions may not be available. ^[6]

Epazote is highly effective in the treatment of a whole variety of different worms. Ringworm and tapeworm are amongst the list of parasites that epazote is effective against. Hookworms and roundworms are some of the more nasty varieties of worms that epazote can also combat.

These parasites which take up residence in the body can be neutralized and then killed off by the active ingredient in epazote, making it a fantastic dietary choice for people all over the world. It has to be said though, that when it comes to protection against parasitic infections, the people who are perhaps most likely to benefit from including epazote in their diet are those who live in places where sanitary conditions are less than ideal, or where water systems lack filtration and are prone to harboring parasites. No one wants to think about having a worm infection, but it can happen to anyone at some stage.

Metabolism  The B-complex family of vitamins can be an extremely important element in human health, and while each member does have a slightly different role in human health, they are all generally associated with the strength and efficiency of the metabolism. Epazote delivers significant levels of 6 different B vitamins, particularly folic acid. A single serving of epazote may contain more than 50% of the daily recommended amount of folic acid, which is important for proper development and growth. ^[7]

The family of vitamins that falls under the B complex category is hugely important in human health. The fact is that very few people take their health and wellbeing seriously enough to try and keep account of all the minerals and vitamins that they should be getting and whether or not they are getting enough.

Though each of the different vitamins within this family has slightly different roles in supporting human health, it is fair to say that they all have a general association with the performance, strength and the efficiency of the metabolic system. Epazote is packed full of B vitamins, with 6 different types being found within the plant, including folic acid.

This means that even just a single portion of epazote can be hugely beneficial to proper development and sustainable growth. It certainly gives you something to think about when you’re writing out your shopping list or visiting the store.

Immunity  The possibly moderate levels of vitamin A found in epazote, along with various other carotenes and antioxidant compounds, make this herb very important for the immune system. The antioxidant activity of epazote may protect the skin from free radical damage, and can also neutralize free radicals that cause various types of chronic diseases. ^[8]

Vitamin A is found in epazote, albeit in limited and moderate quantities, but when this is coupled with antioxidant compounds, it is fair to say that this herb could be hugely important to the health and performance of the immune system.

Epazote, together with its antioxidant activity, helps to protect the skin from the damage of free radicals. Going deeper into the body than skin level, epazote can also help to neutralize the potentially catastrophic damage that free radicals can cause, helping to reduce the chances of someone developing a range of serious illnesses. Whichever way you look at it, and however you choose to consume it, epazote is going to have positive effects by boosting your immune system. This means that pretty much everyone should try to include even a single serving of epazote into their weekly diet.

Bone Health  The diverse range of minerals found in epazote mean that it can be very helpful in protecting your bones as you age. Significant levels of calcium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, and manganese contribute to bone mineral density and stave off osteoporosis, meaning that your bones will keep you strong and healthy well into your later years. ^[9]

There is an active ingredient within epazote that is well known for stimulating the absorption of minerals which are necessary for the formation and growth of new and strengthened bones. There is growing evidence to suggest that supplementing children’s diets with naturally occurring bone strengtheners, such as epazote, can aid the development of the skeletal system significantly.

The importance of a strong skeleton and a functional bone network is huge and should not be underestimated. Just as in the past people considered cow’s milk to be essential in the formation of healthy bones, the focus should now be on the importance of greens such as epazote for this process. The fact that many professional sports franchises and teams choose to use epazote as one of their staple vegetables is a testament to just how beneficial it can be when it comes to building a strong platform for movement and daily life.

Blood Pressure, Heart Health
Potassium is probably one of the most overlooked, yet essential, minerals in our body. The possibly moderate levels of potassium found in epazote can act as vasodilators, relaxing the blood vessels and reducing the strain on our cardiovascular system, thereby lowering the chances of developing atherosclerosis, consequently protecting us from heart attacks and strokes! ^[10]

There are a number of certain flavonoids within epazote that are potent antioxidants. This can prevent any accumulation of unwanted plaque from developing within the arteries. This also protects against the potential for any narrowing of the vessel walls to occur.

Epazote is most efficient at helping to reduce blood pressure which also helps to reduce the effects of some serious health conditions which can be caused by high blood pressure. Amongst the health problems that well-regulated blood pressure can guard against include heart attacks, heart disease, and stroke. If epazotes potential to help guard you against some of those conditions isn’t enough to make you want to eat it, there’s probably nothing that will.

Epazote has been shown to significantly improve blood flow around the body as well as aiding proper circulation at the same time. As it actively fights against the causes of inflammation, epazote could be the heart’s best friend, if only we gave it a chance. Bringing epazote into your diet in order to reap the potential health benefits couldn’t be any easier.

It’s literally as simple as grabbing a leaf and munching on it, or if you’re more inclined to create culinary masterpieces, it sits well alongside pretty much any other ingredient. Just as it is versatile in terms of offering many varied health benefits, it is also pretty versatile on the plate and in the cooking pot.

Botanical Name: Chenopodium ambrosioides
English: Epazote
Also, known as: Mexican tea, Wormseed, Chenopode, Apasote, Semen contra, American wormseed, Pazote, Simon contegras, Paico, Herbe a vers, Mexican tea, Mastruco, Paiku, Cashua, Payco, Anserina, Jerusalem tea, Wurmsamen, Mastruz, Camatai and Ambroisie du mexique.
Habitat: Central, South America
Origin: Mexico
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Leaves

General Information
Native to Central America and parts of Mexico, epazote is a well-known herb that has been used for generations. Growing up to 4 feet tall, with simple, alternate, oblong-lanceolate leaves 2-12 cm long and 2.5-9 cm wide. The flowers are small, green and elongated. The stems are branched, terete-angular, hairless and reddish in color. The green or brown fruit yield horizontal or vertical, lenticular-subglobose, black, brown or reddish brown and shiny seeds. The plant does well in tropical and subtropical climates and thrives in well-drained soil. The flowering season occurs from July to August and the fruiting season is September. This annual herb can be used in culinary applications, as a topical ointment, as a tea base, and can provide powerful essential oils.  Since its powerful effects were discovered by the outside world, it has been cultivated in other temperate areas, including certain areas of Europe and North America, but it is still not widely grown or exported. In fact, it is considered an invasive weed in some areas, as it is quite hardy and can survive in somewhat challenging conditions. It is considered a good companion plant, as its essential oils tend to mask the smell of flowers, thereby protecting vegetables and flowers in gardens.

Epazote is native to South America, Central America and Southern Mexico. Today it has been cultivated and naturalized worldwide. Throughout Mesoamerica, it has been used for centuries to eliminate the parasitic worms present in the body. It is believed to possess anti-asthmatic, analgesic, vermifuge and stomachic. The plant is soaked in the boiling water and consumed as infusion. The oil is used as a poultice to treat insect bites and athlete’s foot.

Although it is most commonly considered as an herb, it can also be used as a leafy vegetable in certain culinary preparations, and is frequently found in soups, tamales, egg dishes, chilies, moles, and quesadillas. The flavor itself is difficult to define, but is usually likened to a citrus, mint, or tarragon-type flavor, which makes it quite versatile as a flavoring agent. However, in most global cultures that use this herb, it is used as a base for epazote tea, an invigorating and spicy variety that is beloved by millions around the world. Its delicious and its organic compounds and nutritional components of epazote make it a wonderful addition to your daily/weekly diet. Let’s take a closer look at what makes epazote so beneficial to human health.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. SO you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: 1-2 tsp (2-4 g) of epazote leaves, up to 3 times/day. This can be added to food or to make tea.