The Scientific name of Asthma weed: Euphorbia Hirta
Name in different languages:-
English: Hairy spurge, Garden spurge, Pill pod sandman, Asthma plant, Snakeweed.
Sanscrit: Barokheruie, Chara.
Hindi: Baridhudi, Dudhghas, Dudhi
Malayalam: Chithirapala-ചിത്തിരപ്പാല, Murikooti-മുറികൂട്ടി, Nilappala–നിലപ്പാല.
Tamil: Amman-pacharici–அம்மான்பச்சரிசி
Asthma weed – plant description
Asthma weed – Euphorbia Hirta is an erect, slender, sometimes prostrate, annual herb grow up to 60 cm long, and it produce a white sap or latex which is sticky. The leaves are simple, brownish-green, elliptical, hairy in both surfaces, toothed margin, and arranged in opposite pairs on the stem, apex obtuse-acute, the stems are hispid, also hairy and produce a white sap. There are stipules present. Flowers are uni-sexual, found in axillary cymes at leaf axils. Fruit is like a capsule, which is tiny, and four-sided with red seeds. the roots are taproots, brown or white in color.
Useful plant parts:
Whole plant, latex
Leaf Arrangement
| Shape-Lance |
Margin-Dentated |
Venation-Longitudinal |
 |
 |
 |
Medicinal uses:
Ability to increase platelet level, to cure respiratory, bronchial asthma and laryngeal spasm, amoebic dysentery, nausea and vomiting, worm infestations in children, jaundice, pimples, tumors, gonorrhea, and digestive problems.
Ayurvedic uses of Asthma weed
- Respiratory Disorders: One of the primary traditional uses of Euphorbia hirta in Ayurveda is for respiratory issues. It is used to alleviate symptoms of conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and cough. The plant is believed to possess expectorant properties, which help in expelling mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Digestive Disorders: Euphorbia hirta is used to address digestive problems such as indigestion, stomachache, and diarrhea. It is thought to have properties that can help regulate bowel movements and soothe the digestive system.
- Wound Healing: The plant is applied externally in the form of poultices or pastes to promote wound healing. It is believed to have antimicrobial properties that can help prevent infections.
- Urinary Disorders: Euphorbia hirta is used traditionally to treat urinary tract infections and other urinary problems. It is thought to have diuretic properties that help in improving kidney function.
- Fever and Infections: It is used in Ayurvedic medicine to help reduce fever and combat infections. Some practitioners believe that it possesses properties that may boost the immune system.
- Menstrual Disorders: Euphorbia hirta is used in Ayurvedic practices to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate menstrual cramps. It is believed to have properties that are beneficial for women’s health.
- Skin Conditions: It is applied topically to treat various skin conditions like wounds, cuts, and sores. The plant is believed to have properties that aid in wound healing.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Euphorbia hirta is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects. It may be used to reduce inflammation associated with various conditions.
- Anti-diabetic Properties: Some studies suggest that Euphorbia hirta may have potential benefits in managing diabetes. It is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Anti-malarial Properties: In some traditional practices, Euphorbia hirta is used to help prevent or treat malaria. It is thought to possess properties that are effective against the malaria parasite
Medicinal Properties:
Anti-bacterial (it act against the bacteria such as pathogenic bacteria, Helicopter pylori, and Plasmodium), anti- viral(Dengue fever).
How to prepare medicines:
It is used as a traditional medicine in Ayurveda and eaten as a vegetable in some part of India
Applied the latex of plant (milk) on fresh wounds can cure easily, and used in the treatments of rashes, warts, swellings, and to cure cracked lips.
The decoction of the whole plant is used in the treatment of Dengue fever
Note: Regular consumption of the plant may cause infertility (reduces the sperm count).
