Mexican Tea
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified clinician before using any herbal preparation — especially during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while on medication, or for children. How we source & review →
Pl. 1648 — Chenopodium ambrosioides
Chenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioidesChenopodium ambrosioides
IOverview
Overview
Mexican Tea (Chenopodium ambrosioides) is a perennial plant that can be annual in some regions, known for its aromatic leaves and seeds. Native to parts of Central and South America, it has spread across various U.S. states including Florida, Texas, and Georgia, as well as countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to diverse environments. Its distinctive feature is its strong, pleasant aroma reminiscent of rosemary, which has led to its use as an ornamental and culinary herb. The leaves and seeds are edible, adding a unique flavor to dishes or herbal infusions.
Quick answers
What is Mexican Tea?
Mexican Tea (Chenopodium ambrosioides) is a perennial plant that can be annual in some regions, known for its aromatic leaves and seeds. Native to parts of Central and South America, it has spread across various U.S. states including Florida, Texas, and Georgia, as well as countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico.
What is Mexican Tea used for?
Traditionally used for energy & focus. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Mexican Tea
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Mexican Tea appears in herbal sources around clarity and study-routine traditions, often as a tea. PlantSage presents this as ethnobotanical context, not as medical advice.
Traditional context only. This reviewed claim keeps the original low confidence level, but avoids treatment, disease, dosage, or guaranteed-effect language.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Mexican Tea support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mexican Tea thrives in light to medium soils and prefers a slightly alkaline pH between 7 and 7.5. It requires moist conditions but can tolerate various soil types, from sandy to clay. This plant is hardy in temperate regions with zones ranging from 7 to 10. For cultivation, direct seed outdoors and thin plants to about 15cm apart. Mexican Tea is both edible, with leaves and seeds being usable parts, and can be grown as an annual or perennial. Ensure it receives adequate light; a rating of 8 out of 10 suggests it prefers bright conditions but not full sun. Regular watering is essential for its growth.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Mature size
1.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
- Propagation
- Direct seed outdoors, thin to 15cm
- Row spacing
- 30 cm
For first-time growers
How to grow Mexican Tea for the first time
8steps
Start with direct seeding outdoors for a simple and rewarding experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, garden soil, a trowel or rake.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining spot with light to medium soil. Ensure pH is between 7-7.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct seed outdoors, spacing seeds about 15cm apart. Cover lightly with soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and provide light shade if temperatures are high.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: Tea
Other uses:DyePest controlFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Americas8 regions
native (8)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHondurasNicaragua
Broader regions
native:Maryland, North Carolina, Louisiana, Mexico Southeast, Florida, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southwest, Mississippi, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arkansas, Aruba, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Chile Central, Chile North, Chile South, Oklahoma
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 164862c3-84c3-46fe-8fa6-bacd9a07ceb4
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