Euphorbia hirta

Euphorbia hirta
Family:Euphorbia hirta; Anodyne; Antiasthmatic; Antipruritic; Carminative; Depurative; Diuretic; Febrifuge; Galactogogue; Purgative; VD; Vermifuge; Warts.
Common name:Asthma weed
Asthma weed has traditionally been used in Asia to treat bronchitic asthma and laryngeal spasm though in modern herbalism it is more used in the treatment of intestinal amoebic dysentery. It should not be used without expert guidance however since large doses cause gastro-intestinal irritation nausea and vomiting. The plant is anodyne antipruritic carminative depurative diuretic febrifuge galactogogue purgative and vermifuge.The aerial parts of the plant are harvested when in flower during the summer and can be dried for later use. The stem taken internally is famed as a treatment for asthma bronchitis and various other lung complaints. The herb relaxes the bronchioles but apparently depresses the heart and general respiration. It is usually used in combination with other anti-asthma herbs such as Grindelia camporum and Lobelia inflata. It is also used to treat intestinal amoebic dysentery. The whole plant is decocted and used in the treatment of athlete's foot dysentery enteritis and skin conditions. It has been used in the treatment of syphilis. The sap is applied to warts in order to destroy them. The treatment needs to be repeated 2 - 3 times a day over a period of several weeks to be fully effective.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:13 []