Euphorbia hirta L.
Asthma Plant / Kulamatikan laki/Kematikan (Bru.)
Description
Traditional Medicinal Uses
Ecology
Propagation
Distribution
Precaution
Annual herb of up to 70 cm tall. Leaves are simple, oppositely arranged, hairy, abaxially greenish-grey and adaxially green to red with purple patches along the midrib. Leaf blade is lanceolate- oblong or elliptic, acuminate or obtuse at apex, slightly oblique at base with entire or toothed margin. Stems are erect, branching, clothed with long yellowish-brown hairs and short white hairs. Inflorescence a cyme developing at leaf axils. Fruit a smooth, hairy capsule. Seeds are
The sap is extracted and applied externally to skin as a poultice to treat fish sting ( Plotosus sp. or Ikan sembilang). The sap can also be applied to teeth to treat toothache. However, the local healers believed the teeth can become easily damaged or fragile if sap are frequently used. The plant exhibits antifungal activity.
It prefers moist but well- drained soil under sunlight.
Seeds and stem cutting.
Possibly native to India.
None