The word is of Quechua origin ( payqu ) and means that it smells ugly. It is one of the common names of a very aromatic plant that is used as a seasoning and has medicinal uses as a purgative. It is also called epazote, acahualillo, holy grass, weed, ragweed or milpa tea. Its scientific name is Dysphania ambrosioides and belongs to the Amaranthaceae family.