Mint and Epazote
What are some other names for epazote?
paico, mexican tea, mastruz, santa maria herb, wormwood
What are the most common mint?
peppermint and spearmint
The most widespread use of herbs in cooking are those from what?
the Mediterranean region
What is menthol used for?
to treat sore throats
What is mint native to?
eastern Mediterranean
Where is Echinacea from?
grow in the plains - east and central north America
What is the benefit of peppermint oil?
helps with IBS
What is mint also called?
mentha - 26 species
What is the notable bioactive compound in mint?
menthol (terpenoid)
Where is epazaote from?
native to Central and South America and Mexico
Where is Blue Shrub Sage from?
native to Texas
Describe ascaridole.
- oil can be toxic in high doses - ascaridole is lower in Mexican grown epazote compared to European grown
How does menthol treat sore throats?
- triggers cold-sensitive receptors to cause a cooling sensation at low dose (TRPM8) and pain receptors at high dose (TRPA1) - also stimulated by cinnamon - same receptors on nerve endings that are stimulated when you actually feel something cold, like ice - upon application to skin, eating, or inhaling
As little as ____________ of ascaridole can lead to toxicity.
1 tsp or 1 mL - tea is safe
What is epazote native to?
Central America, South America and southern Mexico
Where is menthol most produced?
India and China
What is Redbrush Lippia?
Mexican Oregano
Menthol, at low dose can be an analgesic via what?
TRPM8 activation and via opioid receptors
Why should pregnant women avoid frequent consumption of epazote?
due to ascaridole content - may induce uterine contractions, leading to abortion, and cause vomiting
What is ascaridole used as?
an anthelmintic - expels parasitic worms from plants, animals, and human body - recent research on leishmania parasites suggests inhibition of glycolysis
What is the benefit of menthol?
anti-microbial - widely used in dental products
What is the major bioactive compound in epazote?
ascaridole (terpenoid)
What does the name ascaridole come from?
ascaris - a common intestinal roundworm in early 20th century - in people and animals
What is epazote traditionally used for?
black beans, refried beans, and quesadillas for its supposed carminative (anti-flatulent) properties
How is menthol obtained?
by freezing peppermint oil, then separating menthol crystals
What has the taste of epazote been compared to?
creosate, citrus, savory and mint
What is mint used for?
culinary, traditional medicine, insecticide, aromatherapy