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A Guide to the Traditional Uses and Research Insights on Euphorbia hirta, the Asthma Plant
Few herbs carry as rich a legacy as Euphorbia hirta — a humble weed known across tropical and subtropical regions and widely referred to as the asthma plant. Beloved in traditional medicine for centuries, this unassuming species has sparked both fascination and scientific curiosity due to its array of traditional applications and emerging research insights.
In this in-depth guide, we explore the plant’s history, traditional uses, phytochemistry, scientific evidence, safety considerations, how it’s prepared in folk practice, and what researchers are working on today. Whether you’re an herbal enthusiast, a student of ethnobotany, or simply curious about natural remedies, this article offers a thorough and balanced look at Euphorbia hirta.
What is Euphorbia hirta?
Euphorbia hirta Linn — also called asthma plant, garden spurge, or snake weed — is a small, hairy herb in the Euphorbiaceae family. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Widely considered a weed in gardens and fields, it paradoxically holds tremendous value in traditional medicinal systems. Bern Healthy
The plant typically grows close to the ground, with reddish stems and oval leaves that are covered in fine hairs. When broken, it exudes a milky latex, a hallmark feature of many Euphorbia species. Traditionally, every part of the plant — leaves, stems, and latex — has been put to use in folk remedies.
Understanding Its Place in Traditional Medicine
For generations, Euphorbia hirta has been used in indigenous healing systems across Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Its popularity stems from its broad range of uses and accessibility — the plant grows prolifically without cultivation, making it a go-to remedy for rural communities. Bern Healthy
Traditional healers and folk practitioners have used Euphorbia hirta for a surprising variety of health concerns, with respiratory ailments being among the most prominent — giving rise to its nickname, the “asthma plant.” Bern Healthy
In addition to respiratory health, its traditional applications span gastrointestinal, dermatological, genitourinary, reproductive, and general wellness use — a testament to its valued place in ethnomedicine.
Traditional Uses of Euphorbia hirta
Below are some of its most widely recognized traditional uses, grouped by category.
1. Respiratory Ailments — Especially Asthma
Across many cultures, Euphorbia hirta is traditionally used to support respiratory health — particularly asthma, bronchitis, coughs, and colds. It’s believed to act as an expectorant and bronchodilator, helping loosen mucus and facilitate easier breathing. Decoctions (boiled leaf preparations) or teas made from the plant are consumed for relief from congestion and respiratory distress. Bern Healthy+1
In several African and Asian traditions, the plant’s leaf infusion has been a staple remedy for asthmatic symptoms and bronchial issues. Its reputation in folkloric medicine has been strong enough that traditional texts and practitioners consistently describe it as an antiasthmatic herb. journalejmp.com
2. Gastrointestinal Health
Euphorbia hirta is traditionally valued for digestive support. In folk medicine, its leaves and stems are brewed into teas to treat:
- Diarrhea and dysentery
- Intestinal worms and parasitic infections
- Indigestion and stomach cramps
These applications stem from its astringent and antispasmodic properties, believed to help tone the gut and relieve spasms in the digestive tract. Vegetable Garden Blog
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