Chenopodium Oil

Botanical

What is it

Chenopodium oil is the essential oil of wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides, now classified as Dysphania ambrosioides). It was historically used as an antiparasitic agent but has largely been replaced by safer drugs due to toxicity concerns.

How it works

The main active in chenopodium oil is ascaridole, a peroxide-containing terpene. Ascaridole is toxic to intestinal parasites including roundworms and hookworms, but it is also toxic to mammalian cells at modest doses. Because the therapeutic and toxic doses overlap closely, modern medicine generally avoids chenopodium oil in favor of safer antiparasitic medications such as albendazole or mebendazole.

Dosage

There is no consumer-safe dose. Historical pharmacopeia doses were 0.1 to 0.3 mL, but these were associated with serious adverse events. Chenopodium oil should not be self-administered.

When and how to take it

There is no consumer timing guidance because this product is not appropriate for self-administration.

1 commercial form

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Chenopodium essential oil

Historical antiparasitic preparation. Modern use is largely confined to traditional medicine outside regulated supplement channels.

Lipophilic; readily absorbed orally and through skin.

Safety

Reported adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, deafness, vision changes, kidney damage, liver injury, and death. Fatal cases have been documented in both adults and children.

Who should be cautious

Chenopodium oil is contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, the elderly, and anyone with liver, kidney, or cardiovascular disease. It should not be used without medical supervision under any circumstances.

Interactions

Chenopodium oil should not be combined with castor oil (which increases absorption and toxicity), alcohol, or other hepatotoxic substances.

Frequently asked questions

Is chenopodium oil safe?⌄

No. Toxic effects can occur near therapeutic doses, and serious adverse events including death have been reported.

Is there a safer alternative for parasites?⌄

Yes. Modern prescription antiparasitic drugs such as albendazole are far safer and more effective. Consult a clinician if you suspect a parasitic infection.

References

Chenopodium Oil on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Chenopodium Oil on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Chenopodium Oil (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.