Milkweed

A large cosmopolitan speceis of about 2000 annuals, biennials, perennial, deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees, many of which are succulent. Many spurges are grown as ornamentals. They include such familiar plants as poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima), and the caper spurge, or mole plant (E. lathyrus), often seen in herb gardens, but they are far too toxic for culinary or medicinal uses. Some species are weeds, subject to statuatory control in certain countries, notably in parts of Australia. All spurges contain white latex and most are poisonous, being strongly purgative and containing carcinogenic, highly irritant, diterpene esters. The Chinese species E kansui (gan sui) is laxative, as is E. pekinensis, which also has diuretic and anti-bacterial effects. The Moroccan E. resinifera (euphorbium) is another drastic purgative, now more of less confined to veterinary medicine. Euphorbia lathyrus contains a violently purgative oil similar to croton oil (See Croton tiglium, croton.) Euphorbia hirta is ester-free and regarded as a safe, effective herb. In Chinese medicine the genus is considered incompatible with licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis, See, licorice).

Also known as asthma weed, pill-bearing spurge breaks up mucus and relaxes bronchial spasms, prompting some to use it to treat asthmatic conditions, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, hay fever, and chronic inflammation of the respiratory duct. However, toxic doses of the herb have induced respiratory failure in small animals.

Erect or spreading annual with hairy stems and ovate, oppositely arranged leaves, 2.5-4cm (1-1½in) long. Insignificant flowers are borne in dense, globose clusters, followed by 3-celled, red=green capsules.


Common Name:
Milkweed
Other Names:
Asthma Weed, Catshair, Garden Spurge, Pill-Bearing Spurge, Snake Weed/
Botanical Name:
Euphorbia hirta syn. E. pilulifera
Genus:
Euphorbia
Family:
Euphorbiaceae
Cultivation:
Well-drained to dry, sandy soil in sun.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring at 15-20°C (59-68°F).
Harvest:
Plants are cut when flowering and used fresh for juice, or dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.
Native Location:
Weed of Tropics and Subtropics
Height:
20-40cm (8-16in)
Width:
20-30cm (8-12in)
Warning:
All euphorbias are toxic if eaten. The sap (latex) is a serious skin and eye irritant.
Hardiness:
Min. 10-15°C (50-59°F)
Parts Used:
Whole Plant, juice.
Properties:
An acrid, bitter, antiseptic herb that expels phlegm and relieves spasms.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, nervous cough, mucus, hay fever, and amebic dysentery. Externally for burns and warts (juice). Combined with Grindelia camporum (See, gumweed) or Lobelia inflata (See, Indian tobacco) for bronchitis and asthma.
To treat allergies, asthma, bronchitis, colds, diarrhea, sexually transmitted disease, and snakebite.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of pill-bearing spurge may range from 120 to 300 mg in powdered form, taken three times daily.
Possible Side Effects:
Pill-bearing spurge's side effects include nausea, vomiting, gastric symptoms, and allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions:
Taking pill-bearing spurge with these drugs may interfere with the action of the drug:
Cyclosporine, (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Erythromycin, (Erythrocin, Staticin)
Disease Effects:
May worsen inflammatory or infectious gastrointestinal ailments by irritating the gastrointestinal tract.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 210
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD. Pg.368