The Santa Maria herb ( Chenopodium ambrosioides ) is a plant also known by several other names such as: mastruço, ragweed, anserina, tea-do-mexico, mastruz, matruz, menstruz, mintraz, chenopodium and anthill.
The herbaceous plant has oblong, white roots and a yellow interior with lanceolate, small and toothed leaves; its flowers are small and white or greenish in color; and its fruits are small, dry and have numerous black seeds. In its country of origin, Mexico, the Santa Maria herb is used as a spice in the preparation of soups, stews, pizzas and typical dishes. In Brazil, one of the most popular uses of Santa Maria herb is as a dewormer.
Index
Medicinal properties and indications
In our country, one of the most popular uses of Santa Maria herb is as a dewormer, and the plant is commonly found in the formulas of several dewormers, due to the presence of ascaridol in its composition.
The consumption of herb maria tea is indicated as a vermifuge, laxative, in the treatment of cases of intestinal gas, ulcers, cramps, angina, circulation, contusion, tuberculosis, asthma, internal bleeding and hemorrhoids.
The herb Santa Maria also has properties that accelerate the healing process and alleviate mycoses. In addition, when used externally, the tea eases the pain caused by insect bites and combats parasites such as lice, fleas and bedbugs; moths and caterpillars.
How to prepare the tea
Add two tablespoons of herb to a liter of water. When the water comes to a boil, turn it off. Cover and let the mixture simmer for approximately 10 minutes. After that period, just strain and drink. Drink two to three cups a day.
Pay attention to the amount ingested, because, in excess, the Santa Maria tea can cause nausea, headache and seizures.
For use as a dewormer, it is common to prepare an infusion at the rate of 10 grams of the plant for each liter of water, taking it in small sips throughout the day, and associating it with castor oil, taking a spoonful of this after tea treatment.
For the treatment of tuberculosis, the indication is 1 tablespoon of the juice of the plant on an empty stomach
Contraindications
The consumption of this plant is contraindicated for pregnant women and children under two years old. Remember that it is always recommended to consult a doctor to see if a certain plant can be used for your specific case. The consumption of Santa Maria herb must be done with medical supervision, as its incorrect use can lead to side effects such as headache, miscarriage and heart and respiratory problems.
