Wormseed
Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum
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. BDD8 — Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum
Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticumChenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum
IOverview
Overview
Wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum) is a perennial plant that can also grow as an annual, known for its light and aromatic qualities. Native to regions in South America including Argentina and Brazil, it has spread to parts of Central America such as Belize and Bolivia. This plant thrives in moist conditions with soil types ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), showing a preference for a pH between 7 and 7.5. Wormseed is valued both for its edible leaves and seeds, which can be used in culinary applications, and for its medicinal properties, particularly as an anthelmintic. One distinctive feature of this plant is its height, reaching up to 1 meter; another notable characteristic is the need to propagate it by direct seeding outdoors, thinning seedlings to about 15 cm apart.
Quick answers
What is Wormseed?
Wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides anthelminticum) is a perennial plant that can also grow as an annual, known for its light and aromatic qualities. Native to regions in South America including Argentina and Brazil, it has spread to parts of Central America such as Belize and Bolivia.
What is Wormseed used for?
Traditionally used for digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Wormseed
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
1 claim · 0 sources- Traditional-use note: Wormseed appears in herbal sources around after-meal comfort 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.
Wormseed support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Wormseed thrives in light to medium soils and prefers a slightly alkaline pH of 7-7.5. It is hardy in temperate regions but can grow as an annual or perennial depending on conditions. Plant seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, spacing them about 15cm apart. The plant requires moist soil and partial to full sun, with watering needs moderate due to its moisture preference. Harvest leaves and seeds for use.
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 Wormseed for the first time
7steps
Start with Wormseed by planting it in a sunny spot and following these simple steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a garden trowel or small shovel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Wormseed outdoors after the last frost in spring.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 7-7.5).
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors, spacing them about 15 cm apart in rows.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist and thin seedlings if necessary to ensure they have enough space.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly but avoid overwatering. Provide light mulch for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage bushy growth and remove any dead leaves.
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
Americas7 regions
native (7)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaEl SalvadorGuatemalaHonduras
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Arkansas, Aruba, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Chile Central, Chile North, Chile South, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Mississippi, Argentina Northeast
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
Health goals
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
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- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
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