🦙Andean & Incan Medicine

Payco Andino (Wild Epazote)

Dysphania graveolens

About Payco Andino (Wild Epazote)

Payco Andino (Wild Epazote) (Dysphania graveolens) is a herb used in the Andean & Incan Medicine tradition to help with Parasites, Digestive Issues, Nausea, and Liver Support. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Dysphania graveolens, common name fetid goosefoot, is a plant found from Utah, Arizona and west Texas to Guatemala, Peru and northwest Argentina. It has been introduced elsewhere including the east coast of the United States (Maine, Massachusetts and New York state). It has many synonyms, including Chenopodium graveolens and Dysphania incisa. In 2021, the correct name in Dysphania was said to be Dysphania graveolens, although as of 12 April 2022, Plants of the World Online accepted the unpublished...

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Payco Andino (Wild Epazote) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Payco Andino (Wild Epazote) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Payco Andino (Wild Epazote) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding — insufficient safety data; consult your doctor
  • Children under 12 — therapeutic dosage not established
  • Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use

Warnings

⚠️ Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established for most herbal remedies. Consult your midwife or doctor before use.

⚠️ Liver Health

Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

Processed by the liver

Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)

Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Andes Mountains — Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile

Climate

High-altitude tropical

Habitat

Andean highlands (altiplano), cloud forests, and valley farmland of the Andes

🌿 To see Payco Andino (Wild Epazote) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Payco Andino (Wild Epazote), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.