Epazote Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,899 found this helpful

Chenopodium ambrosioides

Epazote is verified toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data.

Primary toxic compounds are the essential oils ascaridole, limonene, and p-cymene.

Ingestion of concentrated epazote oils typically triggers gastrointestinal symptoms in affected animals.

FAQ

Is Epazote toxic to Humans?

No specific human toxicity data is provided in the reference; small culinary doses are generally safe, while concentrated oil ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress. (Low)

Is Epazote toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea following ingestion of concentrated plant essential oils (Low)

Is Epazote toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea following ingestion of concentrated plant essential oils (Low)

Is Epazote toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, diarrhea following ingestion of concentrated plant essential oils (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No specific human toxicity data is provided in the reference; small culinary doses are generally safe, while concentrated oil ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress.

Cats

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea following ingestion of concentrated plant essential oils

Dogs

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea following ingestion of concentrated plant essential oils

Horses

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea following ingestion of concentrated plant essential oils

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsEntire plant, with highest toxic compound concentration in its extracted essential oils

Exposure RoutePrimary: Ingestion of fresh/dried plant material or concentrated essential oils; Secondary: Skin irritation from direct contact with concentrated oils

Toxic Compoundsascaridole; limonene; p-cymene

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining epazote plant material or oil residue from the exposed animal's mouth, fur, or skin.
• Do not induce vomiting or administer home remedies unless explicitly directed by a licensed veterinarian.
• Collect a sample of the ingested epazote plant or oil to share with veterinary staff for accurate diagnosis.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your cat, dog, or horse has ingested any quantity of epazote plant material or its concentrated essential oils.
• The animal displays symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or appetite loss after potential exposure.
• You cannot confirm the identity of a plant your pet or livestock has ingested.

Prevention

• Store epazote plants, dried herbs, and essential oil products in areas inaccessible to pets and livestock.
• Learn to identify epazote to avoid accidental planting in pastures, pet play areas, or home gardens accessible to animals.
• Avoid feeding foraged greenery to pets or livestock if it may contain unidentifiable Chenopodium species.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive veterinary care including electrolyte and fluid therapy to address dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.
• Administration of activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Symptomatic management of any secondary gastrointestinal or systemic effects as they present.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameChenopodium ambrosioides

AliasesWormseed、Jusuit's Tea、Mexican Tea、Paico

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractLiver (in high-dose, repeated exposure scenarios)

Mechanism of Action

• Toxic essential oil compounds cause direct irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosal lining when ingested.

• Ascaridole, the primary active toxic component, exerts reactive oxidative effects on cells in high doses.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Sheep: Low reported toxicity risk; grazing on small quantities of fresh plant rarely causes adverse effects, while concentrated oil ingestion leads to gastrointestinal distress.

Cattle: Moderate risk for exposure to concentrated epazote oils; large doses may cause severe diarrhea and dehydration.

Goats: Low toxicity risk; goats can tolerate small amounts of fresh epazote in forage without adverse effects.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Lambsquarters Chenopodium album

Both plants have serrated, diamond-shaped leaves and grow in disturbed soil habitats; lambsquarters lacks epazote's distinct sharp, medicinal odor.

Redroot Pigweed Amaranthus retroflexus

Both share upright growth habits and textured green foliage; pigweed has thicker, rougher leaves and no toxic essential oil content comparable to epazote.

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Related Toxic Plants

Greasewood

Sarcobatus vermiculatus

Moderate toxicity; causes oxalate poisoning and kidney damage in grazing livestock

Halogeton

Halogeton glomeratus

High toxicity; high oxalate content can cause fatal poisoning in sheep, cattle, and horses

Stinking Goosefoot

Chenopodium vulvaria

Low to moderate toxicity; ingestion triggers gastrointestinal irritation in both humans and animals

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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