Tag: Cooking with epazote

Overconsumption of epazote, or its concentrated oil, can lead to severe side effects including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to a toxic compound called ascaridole. This herb, traditionally used in small quantities in Mexican cuisine to reduce gas and enhance flavor, must be handled with care to prevent adverse reactions.

Epazote contains the compound ascaridole, which can be highly toxic in large doses, particularly in its concentrated oil form. Understanding how much is too much epazote is crucial for using this pungent herb safely in your cooking without risking adverse health effects.