Herbs, Plants, Trees and Roots | August, 2011

You entered Goosefoot, the more common name is...

Wormseed oil is used for rheumatism, painful joints, eczema, and bites. Drank as a tea to treat cramps, laxative, nervousness and depression, as well as to rid the intestines of worm infestations. A decoction is used to treat gastrointestinal complaints. Washes made from the juices sooth and treat hemorrhoids and a poultice speeds healing and protects wounds from infection.

American Wormseed

SCIENTIFIC NAME:
(Chenopodium ambrosioides )


Native to Central America, South America and the Caribbean, it is now cultivated in China and the U.S.. American Wormseed is a perennial in warm climates and an annual in colder regions. Growing to heights of 3 to 5 feet, it’s lance shaped serrated leaves grow clustered around the slender stem and it’s fragrant summer blooms are yellowish-green flower clusters that produce small black seeds come autumn.



Common Names:

Chenopodium, Feather Geranium, Goosefoot, Jerusalem Oak, Jesuit Tea, Mexican Tea


American Wormseed

Uses:

Wormseed oil is used for rheumatism, painful joints, eczema, and bites. Drank as a tea to treat cramps, laxative, nervousness and depression, as well as to rid the intestines of worm infestations. A decoction is used to treat gastrointestinal complaints. Washes made from the juices sooth and treat hemorrhoids and a poultice speeds healing and protects wounds from infection.



Applications:

Oil:
Should only be used under a physician's care. Overdose can be deadly.

Tea:
Brew tea using fresh or dried leaves. Drink 1 cup with honey, once daily for no more than 2 consecutive days.

Decoction:
A decoction made by boiling 1 OZ. of the fresh plant with 1 pint of milk or water has sometimes been given in doses of a wineglassful.

Wash:
Create a wash by boiling any or all parts of the plant and allowing the wash to cool to a comfortable temperature before using.

Poultice:
Make poultice from stems and leaves and apply to afflicted area as warm as is tolerable.


Warnings:

The oil from this plant is highly toxic if too much is ingested, it is highly recommended that use of this plant be under a doctor’s supervision.  Do not treat young children with this herbal remedy unless its a topical application.

With any herb, there is the risk of an allergic reaction. Small children and pregnant women should use additional caution when considering the use of herbal remedies.