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Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum
Wormseed
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The Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum plant species is found in Tropical America. Naturalized in S. Europe[50]. It is a member of the Chenopodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Wormseed. Some home gardeners know the variety as C. anthelminticum. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
Latin Name: Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum
Common Name: Wormseed
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Author: (L.)Gray.
Known Hazards: The essential oil in the seed and flowering plant is highly toxic. In excess it can cause dizzyness, vomiting, convulsions and even death[222, 238]. The plant can also cause dermatitis or other allergic reactions[222].
The leaves and seeds of all members of this genus are more or less edible. However, many of the species in this genus contain saponins, though usually in quantities too small to do any harm. Although toxic, saponins are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down to a large extent in the cooking process. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
The plants also contain some oxalic acid, which in large quantities can lock up some of the nutrients in the food. However, even considering this, they are very nutritious vegetables in reasonable quantities. Cooking the plant will reduce its content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].
Mature Height: 1 Mature Width: 0.7
Habitat: Waste and cultivated ground[204].
Propagation Notes: Seed - whilst it can be sown in situ in mid to late spring, we have had better results by sowing the seed in a cold frame in early spring. Put a few seeds in each pot and thin to the best plant if necessary. Germination rates are usually very good and the seedlings should appear within a few days of sowing the seed. Plant out in late spring, after the last expected frosts.
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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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