Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is a common medicinal herb used for deworming

Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is an annual or perennial herb in the family Amaranthaceae, also known as wormseed, Jesuit tea, and goosefoot. It is native to tropical America and is now commonly found along roadsides, village edges, and field borders in many provinces and regions of southern China. The plant is upright and much branched, and the whole plant has a strong, distinctive odor. The leaves are mostly lanceolate with irregularly toothed margins. It produces tiny pale green flowers and small fruits.

In terms of growth habits, epazote prefers warm, humid environments and is highly adaptable, with no strict requirements for soil. It often appears in sunny wastelands, along roadsides, and on riverbanks. Its ability to reproduce and spread is relatively strong, and in some areas it is regarded as a common invasive weed. In farming activities, it usually needs to be removed promptly so as not to affect crop growth.

Medicinal value is the most prominent use of epazote. The whole plant with its fruiting spikes can be processed for medicinal use. In traditional Chinese medicine it is mostly used to expel intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms, and the volatile oil contained in the plant is considered the main component responsible for its medicinal effects. In addition, there is a folk custom of using its strong odor to repel mosquitoes.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that epazote is somewhat toxic, especially the volatile oil components it contains. Improper use or excessive dosage may cause discomfort such as dizziness and nausea, and pregnant women and people with weak constitutions should avoid using it. Even when it is used as a medicinal material, the dosage should be strictly controlled under the guidance of professionals, and it should never be taken in large amounts on one's own.