Health
Health
Is hoja santa toxic?
By Gretel Morales - 2025-05-26T10:58:04Z
The hoja santa is an essential part of Oaxacan cuisine and one of the main ingredients in mole verde, tamales, and other stews. However, there are now many doubts about whether hoja santa is toxic.
It all started on the show MasterChef Mexico, when Isaías Espinosa, better known as “Chef en proceso” on social media, served hoja santa raw. Later, chef Zahie Tellez explained that this leaf should never be served raw, as it is toxic.
The chef also explained that hoja santa must be cooked or at least blanched; that is, it should go through a quick cooking process and then be placed in ice water. But how true is it that hoja santa is toxic?
You can also read: Uses and benefits of hoja santa tea
On the other hand, the Digital Library of Traditional Mexican Medicine indicates that “a low acute toxicity of an aqueous extract of the plant was observed in mice.” In other words, it has been observed that it can be slightly harmful to animals.
Moreover, the portal indicates that “low acute toxicity was detected in the leaves in mice, so it is necessary to avoid the frequent use of this plant, especially when indicated to be taken.” Therefore, hoja santa could be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
See more: Discover the great variety of Mexican quelites
Therefore, we can say that it is very unlikely for someone to be poisoned by hoja santa, as this would require excessive consumption of the plant.
Regarding its uses in traditional Mexican medicine, the Secretariat of Agriculture states that this herb has been used to treat:
And to avoid any health issues, consult your doctor before ingesting hoja santa in larger quantities. Your health is the most important thing!
Continue reading: What was eaten in pre-Hispanic Mexico?
It all started on the show MasterChef Mexico, when Isaías Espinosa, better known as “Chef en proceso” on social media, served hoja santa raw. Later, chef Zahie Tellez explained that this leaf should never be served raw, as it is toxic.
The chef also explained that hoja santa must be cooked or at least blanched; that is, it should go through a quick cooking process and then be placed in ice water. But how true is it that hoja santa is toxic?
You can also read: Uses and benefits of hoja santa tea
Is hoja santa toxic?
According to the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, hoja santa is not toxic. On the other hand, it highlights that this ingredient, so typical of Oaxacan cuisine, provides vitamin A and calcium.On the other hand, the Digital Library of Traditional Mexican Medicine indicates that “a low acute toxicity of an aqueous extract of the plant was observed in mice.” In other words, it has been observed that it can be slightly harmful to animals.
Moreover, the portal indicates that “low acute toxicity was detected in the leaves in mice, so it is necessary to avoid the frequent use of this plant, especially when indicated to be taken.” Therefore, hoja santa could be toxic if consumed in large quantities.
See more: Discover the great variety of Mexican quelites
Therefore, we can say that it is very unlikely for someone to be poisoned by hoja santa, as this would require excessive consumption of the plant.
Regarding its uses in traditional Mexican medicine, the Secretariat of Agriculture states that this herb has been used to treat:
- Fever
- Inflammation in the kidneys
- Stomach pain
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
And to avoid any health issues, consult your doctor before ingesting hoja santa in larger quantities. Your health is the most important thing!
Continue reading: What was eaten in pre-Hispanic Mexico?
