Euphorbia hirta
Euphorbia hirta
Euphorbia hirta (pronunciation: yoo-FOR-bee-uh HER-tuh), also known as asthma plant, is a pantropical weed, often used in traditional medicine. It belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Etymology
The genus name Euphorbia is derived from Euphorbus, the Greek physician of king Juba II of Numidia. He reportedly used a species from this genus for medicinal purposes. The species name hirta is Latin for "hairy", referring to the plant's hairy stem and leaves.
Description
Euphorbia hirta is a small, erect or sprawling annual herb, typically 10 cm to 40 cm in height. The leaves are opposite, elliptic, and hairy, with a finely toothed margin. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, occurring in dense clusters in the leaf axils. The fruit is a small, three-lobed capsule containing three seeds.
Medicinal Uses
In traditional medicine, Euphorbia hirta is often used for its supposed antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory ailments, skin diseases, and wounds. However, scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited and further research is needed.
Related Terms
- Euphorbiaceae: The family to which Euphorbia hirta belongs.
- Euphorbia: The genus of flowering plants in the family Euphorbiaceae.
- Traditional medicine: The use of natural plant substances for therapeutic purposes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Euphorbia hirta
- Wikipedia's article - Euphorbia hirta
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