by Shannon Farlouis

Created on: May 29, 2010

Herbal Remedy for Asthma

Epazote is a herb that is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. When this plant grows it only lives for a very short while. The blooming flowers are very small and green. The epazote flowers are sometimes purple.  The epazote plant grows her in the United States and in Europe. Epazote may also be called Wormseed or Mexican Tea. This ierb has culinary and medicinal uses. It may be used as a leaf vegetable or herb. The leaves of the epazote plant have a very pungent flavor. They are sometimes cooked as greens. Their flavor is similar to anise or fennel. The fragrance of epazote is very strong, similar to mint or savory. In Mexico, it is often served with black beans to add flavor and color. It is also used in flavoring other Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, tamales, soup, and corn.  It is excellent added to a dish of black bean salad. It may also be served with corn and fish. It has a strong bitter taste with a hint of lemon. When this herb is not available for culinary purposes, oregano is often substituted.

In herbal medicine, epazote is very useful in treating asthma, hysteria, and malaria. It is often used to treat bloating that occurrs when eating beans. The essential oil of this plant is used for killing intestinal worms.It is also used to help relax muscles because the plant contains antispasmodic properties. This herb is not recommended for use by pregnant women because it known to induce abortion. When using any herb as a remedy for health problems, please seek the advice of an expert before using. This herb was also used to treat rheumatic fever. It has had it's uses in herbal medicine for many years. Sometimes it is called skunkweed due to it's strong odor.

Fresh epazote is available at the Mexican groceries store. You may also obtain this herb dried. Epazote is fairly easy to grow in your own garden. The crushed leaves are a natural repellant to ants. This herb may be poisonous in large quantities when being consumed. There are many species of epazote. This herb has often been used as a herbal remedy for children. This herb was used by the Creole quite often. Epazote leaves were often used in bathing to reduce fever. This herb was also used in treating nervous disorders.

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