Asthma Plant/Weed Treats More Than Asthma.

Asthma plant is a hairy plant that has many branches from the bottom to the top of its slender stem. Although it is commonly regarded as a weed because of its invasive nature, it is widely used for medicine in many tropical regions that it grows in. It is known botanically as Euphorbia hirta and in English as wart weed, asthma weed, eczema plant, milk weed. It is called by many local names wherever it is found. In Nigeria, it is known by names such as emi-ile, asin uloko, ogwu ugwa, ba-ala, akun osan, enda myet and egele in different areas.

Asthma plant is easily recognized by the milky juice it exudes when any part of it is broken. The milky sap is toxic and is used as an arrow poison ingredient. The plant can grow up to two feet in height and has many flowers. It bears flowers and fruits at all times.

Asthma plant is used medicinally in many parts of the world because it contains a lot of phytonutrients or active components which are responsible  for its medicinal benefits. Some identified phytonutrients in asthma plant are tannins, phenols, alkaloids, alkenes, sterols, choline, glycosides, etc.

Euphorbia hirta has many properties including the following ;

• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Anti-microbial
• Hypotensive
• Anti-spasmodic
• Anthelminthic
• Analgesic
• Antimalarial
• Sedative
• Diuretic

All parts of Euphorbia hirta plant are used and some of the ways they are used are;

1. To treat skin issues such as eczema, boils, acne, warts, moles, itches, tumours, etc.
2. To treat respiratory ailments such as asthma, cough, bronchitis, hay fever, etc
3. To treat wounds, cuts, bites, stings, bruises, etc.
4. To treat female disorders
5. To treat worm infestations
6. To treat digestive issues
7. To lower blood pressure
8. To treat conjunctivitis
9. To reduce fever
10. To promote urine flow
11. As tonic
12. To increase milk flow in lactating mothers

It is called asthma weed or plant because it is effective for treating asthma and most respiratory issues due to the fact that it relaxes bronchial tubes and makes breathing easier. This plant grows and thrives anywhere in tropical regions.

The parts can be used fresh or dried. The latex is usually used topically because of its toxicity which is destroyed by heat.

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