Euphorbia hirta, Dudhi Plant Benefits, Uses, Formulations, and Side Effects

Have you ever heard of the Asthma plant?

Well yes! A plant like this exists, and it is highly beneficial.

The botanical name of this plant is Euphorbia hirta, and in India, it is known as Dudhi (Euphorbia hirta common name). It is commonly found in both tropical and semitropical regions all over the world. Whereas if we talk particularly about India, it is very easy to find in multiple states such as Haryana, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. In certain areas, it is also known as “Tawa tawa” or “Gatas Gatas.”

euphorbia hirta plant

The following blog contains all the valuable insights about this magical plant- Dudhi, covering its benefits, uses, possible side effects, and precautions.

Euphorbia Hirta Benefits

The plant Euphorbia hirta, urf Dudhi plant is used for both purposes- mental wellness and physical fitness. The healthy Antioxidant + Antimalrial+Antibacterial nature of this plant makes it a perfect fit for several health conditions. 

  1. For Respiratory Concerns: Euphorbia hirta is used as a prime ingredient in the preparation of medicines that are used for the betterment of the respiratory system. The antimicrobial and antiasthmatic response of this herb makes it none other than a panacea for colds, coughs, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, or emphysema.
    woman coughing and holding her chest, showing symptoms of asthma, respiratory infection, or breathing difficulty.
  2. Gastrointestinal issues: The dudhi plant uses its laxative traits and antisecretory nature to help cure a number of digestive concerns, especially gastrointestinal. Patients who deal with diarrhea, acid reflux, and similar problems are often suggested to add this herb to their routine to attain relief.

    Woman sitting on a couch holding her stomach, appearing to be in pain.
  3. Skin diseases: Plant- Euphorbia hirta for skin can be highly helpful because it contains a number of skin health and glory-enhancing abilities. No matter whether you are dealing with any kind of acne, boils, warts, boils, pimples, thrush, or fungal diseases, the use of this herb can help you a lot.
    close up of hands with red rashes and irritation, showing symptoms of a skin disease or allergic reaction.

  4. Blood pressure: When used in an effective manner, Euphorbia hirta benefits patients with bp problems. It’s usage helps to reduce systolic, diastolic, and, mean arterial blood pressure in the body. Thus, it can highly help individuals who are dealing with hypertension, edema, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular concerns.

    female doctor measuring a young man’s blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer.
  5. Immune system: The compounds found in the Euphorbia hirta plant have huge potential to increase the immunity of the body. By stimulating the production and functioning of the antibodies, it does not only keeps your immune shield strong but also reduces the risk of auto-immune threats.

    immune system
  6. Viral fevers: Through its anti-viral properties and antimalarial, dudhi (Euphorbia hirta) helps to prevent and treat a large number of virals and infections such as dengue, malaria, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), poliovirus, etc.
    woman lying down with a cloth on her forehead, holding a thermometer and appearing unwell, indicating symptoms of fever or viral infection.

  7. Urinary tract infection: Euphorbia hirta medicinal uses also incorporates using it as a natural detoxifier and infection killer. Being antibacterial and antimicrobial, this plant can be a good option for the treatment of urinary tract infections.
    By increasing the flow of urine it supports the elimination of all the harmful and waste materials from the body, a vital component for urinary tract infection treatment.
    woman holding her lower abdomen representing pain or discomfort from a urinary tract infection.
  8. Eosinophils: The white blood cells that help your body fight off infections and allergens are called Eosinophils. Doubtlessly, they are necessary for the body, but an excess of eosinophils in the body can be a matter of concern.
    Counting between 30 and 350 cells per microliter of blood is the normal eosinophils range. Beyond such count will increase the risk of respiratory ailments, and allergic/drug reactions.

    Microscopic view of blood sample showing eosinophil cells among red blood cells.

    The usage of the Euphorbia hirta plant helps to reduce the inflammation and eosinophil infiltration in the lungs, which are necessary for High Eosinophils treatment. 

  9. Joint problems: The uses of euphorbia hirta also involve utilizing it as a natural joint health booster. Being a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory properties, it also helps to alleviate joint pain, inflammation, redness, and arthritis-like symptoms. Studies also say that it helps to lower the production of NO (nitric oxide) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are the actual culprits behind causing joint inflammation or tissue damage.

    woman holding her knee with visible redness and pain, representing joint pain, arthritis, or inflammation in the knee joint.
  10. Other conditions: Asthma plant uses are not confined to the aforementioned heads. Instead, the usage of Euphorbia hirta has shown highly significant effects for the treatment of countless diseases including diabetes, heavy menstruation, venereal diseases, sterility, kidney stones, and so on.

How to use Euphorbia hirta?

Right from the leaves to the stems and roots, every part of the Euphorbia hirta plant is somehow useful and can prove highly beneficial for your body. Below are some of the easy ways in which this Dudhi can be used:

  1. Herbal tea: Simply add 1 teaspoon of the herb in 1 cup water. Boil it for the next 3 to 5 minutes. Your herbal tea is ready. Sip it in small quantities throughout the whole day.

  2. Paste: You can even make a poultice with the help of dudhi leaves. The application of it will help to treat skin boils, redness, and inflammation.

  3. Decoction: To prepare the decoction, simply take a handful of Euphorbia hirta roots and boil them in water for 5-10 minutes. The usage of this herbal mixture will work effectively for: 

    • Snake bites treatment.
    • Milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
    • Treating skin problems.

Side effects of Euphorbia hirta?

Besides being helpful in treating countless health concerns, there are certain instances where patients experience problems such as nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, burning sensation, dizziness, diarrhea, skin irritation, and allergic reactions. 

That’s why we highly advise you to consult your doctor before consuming any part of this plant. Even if the doctor has approved your incorporation of this plant into your routine, make sure to confirm its ideal dosage and time of consumption based on your body constitution and medical history.


Important Note: →

All pregnant ladies and individuals with stomach or intestinal disorders are advised not to consume asthma plants (Euphorbia hirta) as it could be potentially unsafe for them.

 

Faq's

What is Euphorbia hirta used for?

The uses of euphorbia hirta plant are quite wide. Right from the leaves and stems, to the roots, every part of Euphorbia hirta (dudhi) is used for some purpose. But if we are more concerned about its health benefits, then it is used for treating asthma, gastrointestinal issues, and skin diseases, boosting the immune system, improving female health, and reducing Eosinophils high symptoms.

What does an asthma plant do to the body?

Asthma plant works as an antioxidant food for the body. Once it gets inside your system, it starts to benefit the body by balancing hormonal fluctuations, boosting the immune system, infesting worms, curing asthma, and treating gastrointestinal problems.

What is the Euphorbia hirta family?

The plant Euphorbia hirta belongs to the spurges family. Besides Euphorbia hirta, there are 6,745 species and 218 genera of flowering plants that are covered in the spurges family.

Is Euphorbia hirta poisonous to humans?

Although the plant Euphorbia hirta is helpful for several health concerns. But we cannot neglect the fact that Euphorbia hirta is poisonous and can be toxic for humans. That’s why certain people who use dudhi experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Which leaf is good for asthma?

Gachwala Euphorbia hirta leaf is one of the best leaves for asthma as it is full of anti-inflammatory and antiasthmatic effects. Besides that lemongrass, licorice, skullcap, adhatoda, oregano, garlic and ginger are some of the other best options available.

Is asthma lifelong?

No! There are countless healing stories of patients who have successfully recovered after choosing Ayurvedic treatment for asthma.

Is tawa-tawa effective for fever?

Yes! Tawa-tawa, also called the dudhi plant, gatas-gatas, and Euphorbia hirta, is highly beneficial for viral infections and fever such as dengue, malaria, typhoid, and chikungunya.

What are the side effects of Euphorbia hirta?

Nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, irritation, upset stomach, uterus contraction, and sometimes even miscarriage are some of the common complications and side effects that may arise through excessive or improper use of Euphorbia hirta.