Euphorbia hirta(Asthma herb or Dugadhika) is medicinal herb which is used in various countries for the treatment of diseases. It is a succulent herb with white latex and soft hairs. In India and South East Asia, it is found throughout the warmer region as weed. This very common weed is known by many names viz. Dudhi, Dugdhika, kshira in Sanskrit due to its milky sap. In Siddha medicine system, it is known as Amman Pacharisi. Amman Pacharisi powder, decoction (Kudineer) are prepared from this herb and used to treat diseases. In India and south east Asia it is found throughout the warmer region as weed.
Euphorbia hirta decoction is very effective in the treatment of Dengue fever treatment. This is very effective herb to increase platelets and treating dengue fever.
Dengue is viral fever caused by biting of mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Dengue is endemic in more than hundred countries across the world such as South-East Asia, Pacific islands, Africa and Tropical America.
By Mokkie (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
In Philippines, this herb is known as tawa-tawa and used to treat Dengue fever.
Vernacular Names
Latin Name: Euphorbia hirta, synonym E. pilulifera auct. non Linn.
Family: Euphorbiaceae
| Sanskrit: Dugadhika, Amampatchairaisi English: Bearing spurge, Asthma weed, Snakeweed, Asthma weed Hindi: Dudhi Gujarati: Dudeli Malayalam: Nelapalai Marathi: Dudnali, Govardhan |
Orissa: Jhotikhuntian Tamil: Amumpatchaiyraissi Telugu: Reddinanabrolu, Nanabala, Nanabiyan Indonasia: Daun biji Kacang, Patikan kebo Philippines: Tawa-tawa, gatas-gatas or mangagaw |
Distribution of Euphorbia hirta
E. hirta is distributed throughout the hotter parts of India, Australia, Central America and subtropical parts of world. It is found in waste places along the roadsides, field as a weed.
Botanical description
A small, erect or ascending annual herb reaching up to 50 cm, with hairy stems;leaves are opposite, elliptical, oblong or oblong-lanceolate, with a faintly toothed margin and darker on the upper surface;flowers are small, numerous and crowded together in dense cymes about 1 cm in diameter, fruits yellow, three-celled, hairy, keeled capsules, 1-2 mm in diameter, containing three brown, four-sided, angular, wrinkled seeds
Part used: whole plant, fresh or dried
The Dosage of Euphorbia hirta (Amman Pacharisi):0.12–0.3 ml liquid extract, 120–300 mg herb as tea, 0.6–2 ml herb tincture, 28–56 ml plant decoction, 14–28 ml plant tea
Phytochemicals
Flavonoids: Euphorbianin, leucocyanidol, camphol, quercitrin and quercitol
Tannins: Euphorbins
Alkanes: Heptacosane, n-nonacosane and others
Anti-asthmatic activity due to choline and shikimic acid. Shikimic acid and choline showed relaxant and contracting properties on guinea-pig ileum.
Euphorbia hirta medicinal properties
- Antipyretic, Astringent
- Bronchodilator
- Cardio-depressant, Respiration depressant
- Emetic, Sedative
- Lactagogue, Mastogenic (causes swelling and growth of breast tissues)
- Muscle relaxant
- Increases platelets
The decoction of dudhi has sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. It also exerted an inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation.
Traditionally decoction prepared from Dudhi is used for treating
- Respiratory problems:- asthma, laryngitis, chronic nasal and bronchial catarrh
- Digestive problems:- diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal parasitosis
- Female disorders:- in post-delivery problems, Improving breast milk quantity
- Also used in:- Dengue fever, kidney stones, diabetes and in conjunctivitis
Medicinal uses of Amman Pacharisi or Dudhi
Dugdhika, Amman Pacharisi, or Dudhi is used both internally and externally. It is a common weed and you can find it growing in waste lands, gardens, roadside and other similar places.
Here is given, how you can use this medicinal herb as home remedy for the treatment of some common ailments.
External uses of Amman Pacharisi or Dudhi
Chapped lips, wart, wounds: For this purpose, take the milky sap and apply on cracked lips.
Swelling, ulcer, wart, bleeding wounds: E. Hirta has antibacterial and antifungal activities. These property is useful in treating skin conditions, wounds, ulcers, etc. Apply paste of leaves or powder on swelling and ulcers.
Pimple, acne: Make a paste of tulsi leaves and dudhi and apply on pimples.
Internal uses of Amman Pacharisi or Dudhi
Gonorrhoea (disease involving inflammatory discharge from the urethra or vagina), blood in urine. Take one gram leaf paste with a glass of milk.
Dysentery, loose motions, jaundice: Dudhi leaves contain Quercitrin. It is glycoside and has anti-diarrheal effect. So this herb effectively treats diarrhea. Collect and wash thoroughly these three herbs, Dudhi, Bringraj and Dronpusphi. Take each one gram and grind to make a fine paste. Add pinch of black pepper. Mix in a glass of milk and drink.
Stimulating breast milk:Take few cooked leaves of dudhi.
Aggravated pitta, burning sensation in the body, increased body heat: Take 1 gram of leaf paste with one glass milk.
Side-effects of Amman Pacharisi
- The herb has depressant action on heart and respiration.
- In high doses it has antifertility effect. It reduces sperm motility and testis sperm suspension significantly and thus leading to infertility.
- It should be avoided during pregnancy.
Dengue Fever Treatment Using Euphorbia Hirta Decoction
There is no vaccine and no specific treatment available for this viral fever. Modern medical science offer good supportive system in these cases but no medication for quick recovery.
Alternative medicine with use of various medicinal herbs the platelet decreasing effect of this fever can be countered.
A such medicinal herb which increases platelet count and helps in faster recovery from dengue fever isEuphorbia Hirta. It is known as gatas-gatas or tawa-tawa in Philippines. This herb is also used by American tribes for dengue.
Recipe of Euphorbia Hirta Decoction For dengue treatment
- Euphorbia hirta plants (20), Water (1000 ml)
Process of making Euphorbia Hirta decoction
- Take Fresh whole plants of Euphorbia hirta.
- Soak fresh plants in water for 2 minutes and then rinse with tap water to clean soil and dirt.
- Add in boiling water and cook for ten minutes.
- Leave and let it stand for 20 minutes. Filter using a strainer.
Drink in small amounts throughout the day.
Dengue fever Treatment Using Euphorbia Hirta decoction
- Increase blood platelet counts
- Immunomodulator effect
- Promotes development of blood platelets
- Stops haemorrhage and prevents further bleeding in dengue fever
- Improves associated symptoms such as nausea and abdominal cramps
- Helps in quick recovery
- Keeps body hydrated
There are many effective herbs for treating dengue fever, you can use anyone or combination. Fresh Papaya leaves juice, Euphorbia Hirta decoction are know herbal treatment for dengue fever.