'alpasote' originates from Nahuatl, specifically the word 'epazotl', where 'epatl' meant 'skunk' and 'tzotl' meant 'sweat'.

'epazotl' transformed into the Spanish word 'epazote', and eventually became the modern English word 'alpasote'.

Initially, it meant 'skunk sweat', referring to its strong aroma, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a culinary and medicinal herb.