Mexican Folk Herbs: Epazote, Ruda, Manzanilla, Nopal and Others

Quick reference

Epazote

Epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides, also called wormseed) has been used for centuries in the Americas as a remedy against intestinal worms. [2] Its essential oil contains ascaridole, which is a potent anthelmintic but has also caused human deaths, leading to its disuse. [2] A laboratory study found that almost 90% of the worm-killing activity of an infusion came from another water-soluble component, and the authors concluded that the traditional infusion appears safer than the essential oil. [2] That was an experiment in worms and rat gut tissue, not a human trial. Preclinical. Never use the essential oil. A 1979 paper lists wormseed among plants used in New Mexico to bring on a period, which is another reason pregnancy requires caution. [3] Intestinal worms need a proper diagnosis and treatment from a clinician.

Ruda (rue)

Ruda is Ruta graveolens. A 1979 paper notes that rue has been used independently in different cultures as an abortifacient (to end a pregnancy) and may cause toxic side effects. [3] A 2021 review lists Ruta graveolens among plants to avoid in pregnancy. [4] In a mouse study of Ruta graveolens extract, fetal death was found. [5] The skin risk is documented too: contact with rue followed by sunlight can cause a photoirritant reaction, and a case report described a burn requiring specialist burn care. [6][7] Systemic toxicity and photosensitivity may be related to compounds such as psoralens at high doses. [8] Proper evidence not found for a proven medical benefit; the 2026 review notes that more clinical studies are required. [8] Do not use rue to try to end or "bring on" a pregnancy or period. If a period is late, see a clinician.

Manzanilla (chamomile)

Manzanilla is usually chamomile, Matricaria recutita. Our existing guides cover chamomile and chamomile tea. The NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says studies for specific conditions have not produced enough reliable evidence to rate usefulness. [9] It says some preliminary studies suggest a chamomile supplement may help generalized anxiety, but chamomile alone has not been shown to help infant colic. [9] Tea amounts are likely safe, but allergic reactions can occur, especially for people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies. [9] Interactions with warfarin and some other drugs have been reported. [9]

Nopal (prickly pear pad)

Nopal is the pad of Opuntia ficus-indica, eaten as a vegetable and used traditionally in Mexico for diabetes. [10] In a small study of 14 Mexican patients with type 2 diabetes, adding 300 g of steamed nopal to a breakfast was linked to a lower blood glucose peak after the meal than the same breakfast without it. [10] A systematic review of five randomized trials of cactus pear found no significant effect on body weight, and reported reductions in blood pressure and total cholesterol; trials were few and varied in quality. [11] Adverse events included stomach upset and flu symptoms. [11] Promising but limited. If you take diabetes medicine, ask your clinician before using nopal as a remedy, and do not stop or change prescribed treatment. See type 2 diabetes and metabolic health.

Hierba buena (mint)

"Hierba buena" literally means "good herb." The closest published match we read is a 2021 review of spearmint (Mentha spicata). It reports traditional uses for cold, cough, asthma, fever and digestive problems, and varied effects in lab studies. [12] The authors say clinical trials in people are still needed. [12] Preclinical and traditional use only. For peppermint, which has more human research, see peppermint tea.