How to drink epazote tea? A Comprehensive Guide to Preparation and Safety

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Epazote, also known as Mexican tea, has been used since Aztec times for its unique, pungent flavor and digestive properties. However, its powerful compounds mean proper and safe preparation is key when learning how to drink epazote tea.

Quick Summary

This nutritional guide provides detailed instructions on how to properly prepare epazote tea, outlining traditional uses for digestive health and crucial safety precautions. It covers correct usage, the dangers of overconsumption, and who should avoid this potent herbal beverage, focusing on responsible use.

Key Points

Moderate Consumption: Use epazote sparingly for tea, as excessive amounts can be toxic due to the compound ascaridole.
Proper Preparation: Steeping small amounts of dried leaves for 5-10 minutes is the safest method; avoid prolonged simmering.
Leaves Only: Never ingest the seeds or concentrated essential oils, as they contain dangerously high levels of toxic compounds.
Avoid If Pregnant/Nursing: Due to its potential to induce uterine contractions, pregnant and breastfeeding women must not consume epazote.
Traditional vs. Modern Use: While historically used for parasites, modern medicine offers safer and more effective treatments; epazote tea is best considered a digestive aid in low doses.
Consult a Doctor: If you have a medical condition, are on medication, or plan to use it medicinally, consult a healthcare provider first.

Understanding the Potent Nature of Epazote

Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is a leafy, aromatic herb native to Central and South America, with a flavor often described as a mix of anise, mint, and oregano. Historically, the Aztecs and Mayans brewed its leaves to treat intestinal issues, earning it the nickname 'wormseed' due to its anti-parasitic properties. The herb contains ascaridole, a potent compound responsible for its traditional medicinal uses, but it can be toxic in high concentrations. Safe consumption depends entirely on careful preparation and moderation, making culinary uses significantly less risky than medicinal ones.

The Nutritional Profile of Epazote

While epazote is primarily known for its flavor and traditional remedies, it contains several beneficial nutrients. In small, culinary-appropriate amounts, it provides vitamins A, C, and B-complex, along with minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. It also offers antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress. However, these nutritional benefits should not be the sole motivation for consuming epazote tea, as its medicinal properties and potential toxicity are far more significant considerations.

Safe Preparation: How to Drink Epazote Tea

When preparing epazote tea, precision is vital. The following steps outline a standard, safe method using dried leaves, which are milder than fresh ones.

Steps for a Basic Epazote Tea:

Measure Accurately: Use a small quantity of dried epazote leaves.
Boil Water: Bring 1 cup (8 oz) of fresh water to a rolling boil.
Steep: Pour the boiling water over the leaves. Cover the cup and let it steep for a specific duration, typically between 5 and 10 minutes. Steeping for too long can result in a stronger, potentially overpowering flavor.
Strain: Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove all the leaves and residue. Ingesting large pieces of the herb should be avoided.
Serve: Enjoy the tea warm. You can add a natural sweetener like honey if desired, or a squeeze of lemon to complement the flavor.

Alternatively, some recipes suggest a brief simmer for fresh leaves to extract flavor more intensely.

Alternative Method (for Fresh Leaves):

Add a small sprig of fresh epazote to boiling water.
Let it simmer for a short period, typically no more than a couple of minutes.
Remove from heat and let it steep for an additional brief period, such as 3 minutes.
Strain thoroughly and serve.

Important Warning: The essential oil and seeds of the epazote plant are highly toxic due to concentrated ascaridole and should never be consumed. Use only the leaves, and do so sparingly.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Precautions

Despite its long history in folk medicine, the potency of epazote requires significant caution. The ascaridole content makes concentrated forms of the herb dangerous.

Moderation is Key: Excessive consumption can lead to dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other more severe neurological problems. The saying "a little goes a long way" is particularly relevant here.
Avoid Concentrated Forms: Never ingest epazote essential oil. Historic use of this oil for medicinal purposes led to reported fatalities. Safer, modern alternatives for treating intestinal issues exist and should be used instead.
High-Risk Individuals: Pregnant and nursing women should avoid epazote entirely. In folk medicine, it was used to induce abortions, and the risk of uterine cramps is a serious concern. Children, and individuals with liver, kidney, or heart conditions should also avoid consumption.
Consult a Professional: Anyone considering epazote for medicinal purposes should first consult with a healthcare provider, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are on other medications.

Epazote in a Balanced Nutritional Diet

Epazote should not be considered a staple nutritional source but rather a flavorful, and potentially beneficial, occasional addition to a balanced diet. Its primary role in a nutritious diet is its traditional use in high-fiber foods, such as beans, where it is known to aid digestion and reduce gas. Instead of drinking it regularly for its nutrients, which are present in small quantities, enjoy it as a flavor enhancer for specific dishes.

Comparison: Safe vs. Unsafe Consumption


Characteristic	Safe Culinary Consumption (Leaves)	Unsafe Medicinal Consumption (Concentrated forms)
Source	Small quantities of fresh or dried leaves.	High doses of leaves, seeds, or essential oil.
Preparation	Steeped as a tea or added to cooking towards the end.	Consumed in large, unmeasured, or concentrated quantities.
Primary Goal	Flavor enhancement and mild digestive aid.	Treatment of intestinal parasites or other conditions.
Risk Level	Low, when used sparingly and correctly.	High risk of toxicity and severe adverse effects.
Usage Frequency	Occasional, as a seasoning.	Historically frequent for short periods, but now considered unsafe.

Conclusion

Epazote tea has a deep history as a folk remedy, particularly for digestive issues, but its potent nature and potential for toxicity cannot be understated. For those wondering how to drink epazote tea, the answer lies in strict moderation, careful preparation of the leaves, and a clear understanding of the risks. It should be treated as a powerful seasoning, not a regular nutritional supplement. By following safe culinary practices—using small amounts of the leaves and avoiding concentrated forms—you can responsibly experience this unique, aromatic herb. Always consult a healthcare professional before using epazote for any medicinal purpose to ensure your safety.

For more detailed information on herbal safety, particularly concerning the use of epazote, reliable sources like the University of Texas at El Paso Herbal Safety site can provide additional context and warnings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Epazote has a strong, distinctive flavor often compared to a mix of anise, mint, and oregano. Some find it has a pungent, almost medicinal aroma, which is why moderation is key to enjoying it.

It is not recommended to drink epazote tea every day. Due to its potent compounds, it is best used sparingly and in moderation. Consuming it too frequently or in large quantities can be toxic.

Fresh epazote has a more potent flavor and aroma than dried epazote. When making tea, dried leaves are often preferred by beginners as their milder flavor is easier to control. The flavor of dried epazote is significantly reduced.

For a safe serving, use a small quantity of dried epazote leaves steeped in 1 cup of boiling water. Strain thoroughly before drinking to remove all plant material.

Traditionally, epazote tea has been used as a digestive aid to reduce gas and bloating, especially after eating high-fiber foods like beans. It is also historically known for its anti-parasitic properties.

Never use the seeds or concentrated essential oil, avoid consumption if pregnant or nursing, and do not exceed small, occasional doses. Overconsumption can lead to severe side effects like vomiting and neurological issues.

Yes, epazote is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The essential oils containing ascaridole can cause vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.

Fresh epazote can often be found at Mexican or Latin American markets. Dried epazote is available in the Hispanic foods section of some well-stocked grocery stores or online.