MASTRUZ POWDER TEA (Chenopodium ambrosioides) -  2 OZ / 60 gr

Ethnomedical Uses: In herbal medicine systems throughout Latin America mastruz is a popular household remedy used for centuries. In Brazilian herbal medicine, mastruz (or mastruço) it is considered an important remedy for worms (especially hookworms, round worms and tape worms) and is also widely used for coughs, asthma, bronchitis and other upper respiratory complaints; for angina, to relieve intestinal gas, to promote sweating and as a general digestive aid. Externally it has been used as a wash for hemorrhoids, and to make patches for bruises, wounds, contusions or fractures.

Properties/Actions Documented by Research: Amebicide, antibacterial, anticancerous, antimalarial, antiparasitic, antitumorous, ascaricide (kills Ascaris parasitic worms), insecticidal, molluscicidal (kills snails), vermifuge (expels worms) and anti-inflammatory effects.

Cautions: The plant and essential oil should not be used during pregnancy and lactation. Not only does the plant have toxic activity, it has also been traditionally used to induce abortions. The use of the plant is probably contraindicated for couples trying to get pregnant.

How to use/ Preparation: A decoction of the leaves is employed (in ½ cup dosages) for menstrual, respiratory, and digestive problems on an as-needed basis. For intestinal worms and parasites, most herbalists and practitioners recommend ½ cup of a standard leaf decoction taken in the morning on an empty stomach for three days in a row. On the fourth day, a mild laxative is given to evacuate the bowel (and the dead and dying parasites and worms). This is repeated two weeks later to address any worm eggs that may have survived and hatched. In Brazil is also very common to prepare mastruz with milk (a.k.a. mastruz com leite) for respiratory and digestive problems.