Overview

Chenopodium oil is made from the chenopodium plant (Dysphania ambrosioides), which is also known as epazote. It grows in Central and South America.

Chenopodium oil contains high amounts of a toxic chemical called ascaridole. The amount of ascaridole found in the oil depends on the plant part used, the season, and where the plant was grown. Ascaridole is thought to paralyze roundworms, hookworms, and some tapeworms.

People use chenopodium oil for parasite infections in the intestine and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using chenopodium oil can also be unsafe. It has been linked with serious side effects, including death.

Don't confuse chenopodium oil, which is also called wormseed, with wormseed and wormwood. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Chenopodium Oil overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Chenopodium oil is unsafe. It contains the chemical ascaridole, which is toxic. Potential side effects include dizziness, skin irritation, vomiting, deafness, paralysis, liver damage, and death.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Chenopodium oil is unsafe. It contains the chemical ascaridole, which is toxic. Potential side effects include dizziness, skin irritation, vomiting, deafness, paralysis, liver damage, and death.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Chenopodium oil is unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. It contains toxic chemicals.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs) interacts with Chenopodium Oil

    Some medications might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Chenopodium oil might also make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Using these products together might increase the risk of sunburn, blistering, or rashes when the skin is exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of chenopodium oil might be. It contains toxic chemicals that are unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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