Asthma plant

Euphorbia hirta, commonly known as asthma plant, garden spurge, or pill-bearing spurge, is a small annual herb belonging to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Here's some information about this plant:

Description:

• Growth Form: Asthma plant is a low-growing herb, usually reaching heights of about 20 to 40 cm.

• Leaves: The leaves are opposite, elliptical, and have serrated margins. They are often hairy.

• Flowers: The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with a greenish to reddish color. The plant has cup-like structures called cyathia, which are typical of the Euphorbiaceae family.

• Latex: Like many Euphorbia species, asthma plant contains a milky latex that can cause irritation to the skin and eyes.

Habitat:

• Asthma plant is native to Central America but has become naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

• It is often found in disturbed areas, gardens, along roadsides, and in waste places.

Identification Features:

1. Opposite Leaves: The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stems.

2. Milky Latex: The plant produces a milky latex when any part is broken, which is a characteristic feature of the Euphorbiaceae family.

3. Inconspicuous Flowers: The flowers are small and not highly noticeable.

Traditional Uses:

• In traditional medicine in various cultures, parts of the asthma plant have been used to treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma, coughs, and bronchitis. However, caution is advised, and any medicinal use should be based on reliable sources and expert advice.

Caution:

• The latex produced by Euphorbia species can be irritating to the skin and eyes. Caution should be exercised when handling the plant.