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Mexican tea

Scientific Name: Chenopodium ambrosioides

Family: Chenopodiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb, Subshrub

Duration: Annual, Perennial

Other Names:

       

Dysphania ambrosioides: Unveiling Mexican Tea

Dysphania ambrosioides, often referred to as Mexican tea, is a fascinating plant with a rich history and diverse applications. Let's delve into its characteristics, uses, and cultural significance.

Common Names

  • Mexican tea
  • Wormseed
  • Jesuit's tea
  • Paico
  • Epazote
  • Herba sancti Mari
  • Pazote
  • Pigweed
  • West Indian Goosefoot
  • Hedge Mustard
  • Spanish tea
  • Stickweed

Considerations for Pets

  • Some sources refer to the plant as "wormseed," which might indicate traditional use as an anthelmintic. Further research is needed to ascertain the safety of this plant for animals prone to parasitic infections.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is described as "strong-smelling," which could be a deterrent for some children but an attractant for others.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Dysphania ambrosioides
  • Formerly Known As: Chenopodium ambrosioides
  • Synonyms:
    • Chenopodium ambrosioides var ambrosiodes
  • Family: Not explicitly stated in the text.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The text mentions that it is native to tropical America.
  • It has naturalized in North America.
  • Reported to be found CAN I HI I L48 I,N PR N VI N (The specific locations are unclear from this text).

Morphological Characteristics

  • Described as a summer annual, growing about 2-5' tall. In more tropical climates, it can be a perennial.
  • It's a forb/herb or subshrub with a more or less erect growth habit, branching occasionally.
  • Possesses oak-leaved goosefoot with many yellow-green flowers

Traditional Uses and Cultural Significance

  • It is a popular Central American herb used by native Mexicans.
  • The leaves are used for seasoning corn, beans, and sauces in Mexican dishes.
  • Historically used medicinally, a strong tea may have been used for some conditions.

Quirky Facts

  • Some individuals find the aroma of Epazote to be similar to "old socks."

Further Resources

  • ARKive (mentioned in relation to photos of Chenopodium ambrosioides).
  • Institute of Texan Cultures Publications Collection (mentioned in relation to "Grandmother's tea: Mexican herbal remedies").