Ambrosia pigweed

Ambrosia pigweed: a poisonous herb with many uses

Ambrosia pigweed, also known as American anthelmintic grass, Jesuit tea, Carthusian tea or fragrant pigweed, is a highly variable herbaceous plant of the Chenopodiaceae family. It grows in Central Europe, Russia, Western India, North Africa, Mexico, Brazil and Chile.

The stem of ambrosia marigold reaches a height of mostly 30-60 cm and is branched. The leaves are alternate, up to 10 cm in length, and the greenish, millimeter-sized flowers are collected in few-flowered glomerular bunches. The popular names of this herb reflect its anthelmintic properties, which were widely known in folk medicine.

Ambrosia goosefoot oil, also known as Chenopodii (ambrosioidis) oleum or formerly Oleum Chenopodii (ambrosioidis), is one of the best known products obtained from this plant. It contains essential oil with ascaridol, cymene and terpenol, which have antiparasitic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

In folk medicine, ambrosia marigold oil was previously used as an anthelmintic and to stimulate appetite, sometimes as a tonic. In homeopathy it is used for liver diseases (jaundice) and stroke.

However, despite its medicinal properties, ragweed is a poisonous herb and can cause serious side effects if used incorrectly or in large doses. Therefore, before using ragweed oil or any other product derived from this plant, you should consult with a qualified physician.

In conclusion, ragweed is a poisonous herb that has many medicinal uses. However, its use should only be done under the supervision of a physician to avoid possible side effects.