What is it for and how is it prepared?

Thanks to its particular flavor, epazote is highly appreciated in the kitchen and is part of various preparations, especially in the indigenous gastronomy of southern Mexico. As a flavoring herb, skunk epazote It gives the dishes a rustic and unique taste. In addition, it is added to heavy meals for its digestive properties.

But where this herb really shines is indigenous medicine. Epazote tea is rich in antioxidants such as vitamins A, B and C that contribute to:

• Slow aging
• Decrease inflammation
• Increase antibacterial response
• Facilitate the production of digestive enzymes.

Epazote tea also contains folic acid and minerals that maintain the health of the digestive, glandular, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and integumentary (skin, hair, and nails) systems.

Due to its nutritional content, indigenous peoples made epazote infusion since pre-Hispanic times to prevent or treat various ailments and to maintain the health of certain organs. Next, we explain the main ailments that are alleviated with the tea of ​​this wonderful plant.

The ancient Aztecs discovered that the epazote tea calms respiratory conditions and helps you breathe better. For example, those who suffer from asthma can consume this infusion to help, along with medical treatment, to reduce the common attacks of this disease. It is also useful for those with bronchitis, pneumonia or colds, as it allows the expulsion of phlegm and calms inflammation.

According to traditional herbalists, the ascaridol present in this plant removes worms and protozoa and several laboratory studies confirm this. For these investigations, parasites responsible for schistosomiasis, toxocariasis in dogs and cats, leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, Chagas disease and malaria were used.

If you want to know more about this topic, we invite you to visit our article Home remedies to eliminate intestinal parasites.

Although the herb does not directly kill bacteria, epazote prevents these microorganisms from being resistant to antibiotics. This was demonstrated by a study with staphylococci, one of the main responsible for infections throughout the body. Likewise, the herb is useful against the presence of fungi such as Candida albicans, which causes vaginal infections.

The indigenous peoples also administered this infusion to those women with late periods. Apparently, epazote tea is capable of stimulate the ovaries and uterus for the expulsion of flow, both menstrual and postpartum. However, it is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.

Like all green herbs, epazote contains fibers that, when consumed moderately, improve digestive and intestinal function. For this reason, it is common for them to add leaves of this plant to difficult-to-digest dishes such as beans or kidney beans. Similarly, you can also take an infusion in case of indigestion or flatulence.

Bones are formed by the synthesis of a large amount of minerals such as calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, among others, so the consumption of these minerals must be present in our daily diet. In this sense, epazote contains these nutrients that we tohelp preserve bone health, especially in old age.

The infusion of this herb contains moderate levels of potassium, which gives it properties as a vasodilator, ideal for reducing blood pressure. In this way, one of the epazote tea benefits It is the reduction of the risk of suffering arteriosclerosis or cardiovascular accidents.

It is said that the integumentary system is the first barrier of protection of the organism, since it covers it completely. As you may have guessed, this apparatus is made up of the skin, hair, nails, and certain glands. To fully fulfill its defensive function, all its components must receive the necessary nutrients.

The high content of vitamins A, B and C of epazote tea helps to strengthen the integumentary system and regenerate the skin. In addition, epazote is an antioxidant, so it reduces the action of free radicals and helps fight oxidative stress.

It is also possible to use the tea topically, as it can be prepared and applied directly to the skin and hair. This helps to reduce inflammation, soften and condition the dermis to enhance its beauty.

Epazote contains toxic active ingredients, such as ascaridol, which promote its deworming action. These substances can also be useful as natural insecticides if you are dealing with an insect infestation. You just have to spread the epazote water around the house and the family garden to disinfect.

Now that you know what epazote tea is for, you just have to take advantage of all its properties and benefits! Learn how to repair epazote It is very simple. You will need to:

• 8 fresh epazote leaves.
• 500 ml of drinking water.

To prepare it, follow these steps:

1. Boil the water and add the leaves when it breaks the boiling point.
2. Lower the heat and cook for about three minutes.
3. Remove from the stove and let the tea steep for about three more minutes.
4. Strain the drink and serve it.

To use the tea for medicinal purposes it is necessary that you bear in mind the contraindications of epazote tea, as well as the following warnings:

• The herb is toxic, so it should not be used for a long period of time.
• Only the leaves are used, since the flowers and the stem have a much higher concentration of active ingredients.
• It should not be administered to children under three years of age, pregnant or lactating women under any circumstances.
• Neither should people with heart, kidney, liver or stomach conditions consume it.
• If children under the age of 12 are dewormed, watch out for any negative reactions such as dizziness, vomiting, or headaches.
• To make the tea, you can use the fresh or dried leaves. If you want to add it to your meals, it is better to use them fresh so that they retain all their flavor.
• If you want to prepare epazote for parasites, drink half a cup of epazote tea on an empty stomach for three days. After consuming it, wait an hour before having breakfast.
• In the case of specific discomforts such as flatulence, indigestion or menstrual problems, it is only necessary to drink half a cup once.
• If you want to consume it to take care of your health and nutrition, you can take the infusion of this herb sporadically.

This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

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