Chenopodium ambrosioides is a plant native to Mexico, it was very common in the pre-Hispanic cuisine of the Mayans and Aztecs. Currently it is well known for its diverse properties and multiple uses.
Other available names are: American worm, blue bush, Mexican tea, ant grass, epazote, pican, wormwood, worm bush.
It is a versatile herb and a member of the spinach and chard families, making it a great addition to an herb garden. This herb is commonly known as “Botones”, “Botanitas” or “Tusca”.
Chenopodium ambrosioide It is an excellent addition to any herb garden for its attractive aroma and culinary uses. In this article we will talk about the uses of this herb, its size and its lemon aroma.
What is Chenopodium ambrosioides?
It is an annual plant belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family. This plant is native to America and has been used for centuries for a variety of uses in traditional medicine.
It needs full sun to grow properly and tolerates a wide variety of soils. It is considered a perennial plant but only in warmer climates, and is best grown in pots as it can be a very invasive plant.
It is a very resistant plant that grows in much of Latin America, from Mexico to Argentina. It can be found in dry forests, scrublands and grasslands. It is also found in many urban and suburban areas, where it grows in vacant lots, pastures, roadsides, and around buildings.
Characteristics of Chenopodium ambrosioides
It is covered by the epidermis membrane and is thick and fleshy. Its root is deep and its stem is erect and robust, generally 60 to 150 cm high.
The leaves are rhombus-shaped and dark green in color. These barbed leaves have a bitter, mildly acidic flavor and are toothed.
This plant blooms between the months of June and July and its flowers are hermaphrodite. These flowers have five yellow or whitish petals and their size varies depending on the specimen.
The fruit of this plant is a round capsule with transverse grooves that contains dozens or hundreds of small hard seeds.
Size
The Chenopodium ambrosioide has a moderate size, and can reach a height between 40 cm to one meter high. This herb has large, toothless leaves that are usually between 3 and 10 cm long.
Depending on the climate and growing conditions, this herb can begin to reach its maximum size in as little as two months.
Areas where Chenopodium ambrosioides is found
It can be found in most American countries. This plant is found in subhumid, semitropical and tropical climates, with temperatures between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius.
It can also be frequently seen on escarpments, forested slopes and grasslands.
Farmers often use it as a shade plant, improving pasture production. It is also frequently used in home gardens.
Fertilization and irrigation
It is a fairly easy herb to grow and maintain. Requires full sunlight to flower and should be watered as needed to keep the soil moist. In addition, this grass feeds a lot and must be fertilized regularly., either with a balanced fertilizer or with organic fertilizer.
Pruning and growth
It is important to prune it so that it grows healthy. This herb should be pruned in spring and early summer to encourage healthy branching and flowering. Additionally, this grass should be pruned in the fall to encourage it to grow and flower to its full size.
Reproduction of Chenopodium ambrosioides
It can be reproduced by seeds or by division. The seeds are collected before they are fully ripe (May to September) and macerated with mud (slag) for 3 months. After maceration, the seeds They should be planted in a fertile substrate, where they grow for 2 to 5 weeks.
Reproduction by root division is carried out by dividing the root into several specimens and sowing them in a fertile substrate. New specimens begin to develop roots after 4 weeks.
Medical uses
Chenopodium ambrosioides is a plant of great medicinal importance in the indigenous tradition of Latin America. This plant is mainly used as an antiparasitic. to get rid of intestinal parasites and as a diuretic.
The best way to take advantage of its medicinal uses is to prepare a 3% infusion of the entire plant. This infusion is taken on an empty stomach and after each meal. It is prepared by adding 30 grams of fresh plant to each liter of water. The result is a bitter, but highly effective infusion.
- It is used to treat respiratory conditions, helping to expel mucus from the lungs.
- It is used to relieve discomforts such as headaches, pain muscle pain, fever, laxative and as a disinfectant for worms.
- Helps in the treatment of amenorrhea, dimenorrhea, colds and asthma.
- It is very useful for washing and reducing hemorrhoids.
- As a poultice to detoxify snake bites and other poisons because it has wound healing properties.
- Pregnant women cannot use this remedy.
Culinary uses
It has a spicy flavor similar to the taste of licorice, fennel or tarragon, but something stronger. It is often compared to citrus fruits, cilantro, or mint. In other cases it is known for its powerful sweet lemon aroma that can be both invigorating and calming.
The lemon aroma of this herb is very powerful and can be enjoyed outdoors. Additionally, this herb is great for using in potpourri and for adding a subtle fragrance to homemade candles.
It can be cooked to make a white bean soup, and it can be used to prepare a delicious herbal tea. This herb also goes well with cheese, making it a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
Additionally, this herb can also be used to add an interesting flavor to baked goods.
It is an essential ingredient in Mexican cuisine, but it must be used in moderation. It can be combined very well with oregano, cumin and chilies. It can be used to flavor soups, eggs, fish, salads and all dishes whose preparation uses corn and any type of beans as ingredients.
In this case you can add two tablespoons of chopped fresh leaves to five cans of cooked beans; you must add it within 15 minutes of cooking.
To use in cooking, it is important to harvest the young leaves and store them in a plastic or paper bag. You can let them dry, but they are better fresh. Older leaves have a much stronger flavor.
Finally, Chenopodium ambrosioides is a plant with medicinal properties in traditional Latin American medicine. It is mainly used to get rid of intestinal parasites, as a diuretic and also to treat respiratory conditions.
This plant is easy to grow, adapts to various climates and its seeds reproduce relatively easily. It is a very versatile herb with great culinary uses.
It has a lovely lemon scent that is perfect for using in potpourri and for adding subtle scents to homemade candles. This herb is also fairly easy to grow and maintain, and requires full sunlight, Regular watering and pruning to promote healthy growth. It is an excellent addition to any herb garden due to its many unique and attractive features.