Evidence supporting the use of: Chenopodium Oil
For the health condition: Parasites (nematodes, worms)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Chenopodium oil, also known as American wormseed oil, has a long history of traditional use as an anthelmintic (a substance that expels parasitic worms) in both folk and early medical practices. Its use dates back to indigenous peoples of the Americas and was later adopted in Western medicine, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The oil is derived from the seeds of Chenopodium ambrosioides (also called wormseed or epazote) and contains active compounds such as ascaridole, which is toxic to various nematodes and intestinal parasites. However, while historical texts and pharmacopeias document its use for treating roundworm and hookworm infections, scientific validation by modern standards is limited. Clinical studies from the early 1900s reported efficacy but were not rigorously controlled, and the oil was frequently associated with significant toxicity, including gastrointestinal, neurological, and even fatal side effects. As safer and more effective synthetic anthelmintics became available, the use of Chenopodium oil in mainstream medicine declined and is now largely obsolete. Contemporary scientific evidence is sparse, and the oil is not recommended due to safety concerns. In summary, the use of Chenopodium oil against parasites is justified by tradition and historical precedent, rather than robust modern scientific validation.

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