Is Euphorbia Poisonous to Humans?

Euphorbia hirta is a hairy herbaceous plant which is found on the roadsides in the tropical areas of the world. This herb is considered to be native to India but now its weed has become pantropical species which makes it easy for its popularity to spread. It is used as a medicinal herb because of its various unique and powerful effects on the body. All the parts of this herb are effective and wonderful in their own way. Its leaves, flowers, and sap are commonly called Asthma weed which is used in various ways and forms.

Its Latin name is Euphorbia hirta and belongs to family Euphorbiaceae.

This herb is small, erect and annual which reaches up to the height of 50 cm with hairy stems. Leaves are green in color but sometimes they are purplish red in color and of 2.5 to 5 mm in length and 2 to 4mm wide. Flowers are numerous, small and are about 1 cm in diameter. Fruits are yellow, hairy, three-celled and about 1 to 2mm in diameter that contains angular and wrinkled seeds.

Composition of Nutrients

This herb consists of polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins,  and polysterols.

Part used: The whole plant is useful. It is may be used as fresh or in dried form.

Names in Different Languages

• English name: Equirity
• Hindi name: Dudhdee, dudhi, duddhi, laldudhi
• Sanskrit name: Nagarjuni, pusitoa
• Punjabi name: Hajardana, Hazardana, Baradodk, dodhak
• Kannada: Kempunenehakki
• Gujrati: Naagalaadudhelee, Raatidudhelee
• Malayalam: Nilappal
• Bengali name: Dudhiya, kerai, bara, kharui
• Marathi name: Lahaandudhi, lahaannaaytee, naayeti

What are the Medicinal Properties of Euphorbia Hirta?

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter) and kashaya (astringent)
• Guna (Quality): May be guru (heavy) or laghu (light), Ruksha (dry), Tikshna (sharp)
• Veerya (Potency): Katu (pungent)
• Vipaka: Katu (pungent)
• Karma (actions): kaphavatahar (Vitiates the vata and kaphadosha)

What are the Medicinal Uses of Euphorbia Hirta?

This is used as both externally as well as internally.

External Uses of Euphorbia Hirta:

• Swelling, warts, ulcers and bleeding wounds as it has both antifungal as well as antibacterial
• You can also apply it on the cracked lips, pimples and acne.

Internal Uses:

• It can be used in gonorrhea, bloody urine, loose stools, and jaundice.
• It has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times for the vitiation of the aggravated Pitta Dosha.

What are the Therapeutic Uses of Euphorbia Hirta?

Aside from eliminating the intestinal worms, this herb can also be used in eliminating the symptoms of dysentery or diarrhea. It can also soothe the gastrointestinal tract. It also restores the bowel movements and reduces the discomfort or pain due to the altered bowel movements.

1. Respiratory Diseases

When it comes to respiratory-related disorders, this herb is the most wonderful and effective remedy. The anti-inflammatory property of this herb makes it ideal for soothing some respiratory-related symptoms such as sore throat, breathing difficulty, bronchial irritation, and chronic coughing.

2. Dengue Fever

This herb has been proven useful in treating dengue fever. It has the property to rebalance the platelet count in the body which often gets reduced in the dengue fever. It also manages the electrolyte excretion which is the main reason for its curative properties.

3. Sexual Health

Euphorbia hirta has antibacterial as well as antiviral properties which make it effective in treating UTIs and venereal disorders. It is also used as a sex stimulant to increase libido and boosts fertility. For males, it can help in preventing premature ejaculation and in females, it stimulates the production of breast milk. But it should not be given to pregnant women as it causes miscarriage.

4. Diuretic Property

This herb is a natural diuretic. The extract of its leaves has a diuretic property which increases the urine output in the body and reduces the swelling by flushing out the excess water content in the body.

Other Uses

1. The liquor form of this herb is used as gargles for treating fever and paste of its leaves are used to reduce swelling, sores and other skin related issues.
2. It also controls the blood flow from bruises and helps to stop the bleeding.
3. It also shows good results in relieving severe headache, toothache, colic pain and rheumatism.
4. Symptoms of dysentery and diarrhea can be controlled with this herb.
5. Its latex is used to remove the thorns from the skin.