american wormseed
Noun: 1. A rank-smelling tropical American plant (Dysphania ambrosioides, formerly Chenopodium ambrosioides): This is the primary definition. It refers to a specific species of aromatic, weedy herb native to tropical America but now found in many warm regions. The plant is known for its strong, often unpleasant odor and its historical use as a medicinal herb, particularly as a vermifuge (to expel intestinal worms).
- Noun:
- The garden was overrun with american wormseed, its pungent smell filling the air.
- Historically, a tea made from american wormseed was used to treat parasitic infections.
- Botanical Context: In botanical and herbal medicine texts, "American wormseed" is used to specifically identify this plant species and distinguish it from other plants with "wormseed" in their name (e.g., Levant wormseed).
- Historical/Herbal Context: The term is often used when discussing traditional or folk remedies. Its use highlights the plant's primary historical application.
- Epazote: This is the more common modern name for the same plant, especially in culinary contexts (it is used as a herb in Mexican cuisine).
- Mexican tea: Another common name for the plant.
- Jerusalem oak: A less common name.
- Chenopodium ambrosioides: The former botanical name.
- Dysphania ambrosioides: The current accepted botanical name.
- Wormseed: A more general term that can refer to this plant or others used for similar purposes.
- Epazote (common culinary/herbal name)
- Mexican tea
- Jerusalem oak
- Goosefoot (refers to the plant family, Chenopodiaceae)
The term "American wormseed" is highly specific and primarily used in botanical, historical, or herbal contexts. In everyday modern English, especially in culinary settings, "epazote" is the far more prevalent term. The name directly describes the plant's geographic origin ("American") and its traditional use ("wormseed" meaning "seed for worms," i.e., an anthelmintic).
- rank-smelling tropical American pigweed