Common Milkweed (Euphorbia hirta)

Common Milkweed (Euphorbia hirta) is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, Indo-Malay Region, and Tropical Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and roots have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, bitter, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in african traditional medicine, ayurvedic medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Common Milkweed (Euphorbia hirta) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Milkweed (Euphorbia hirta) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Milkweed
Scientific Name	Euphorbia hirta
Plant Family	Euphorbiaceae
Genus	Euphorbia
Species	hirta
Native Range	Southeast Asia, Indo-Malay Region, Tropical Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Euphorbia hirta
Common Name: Common Milkweed
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Euphorbia Hirta, Common Milkweed, Euphorbia Hirta
Plant Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface pubescent and darker green, featuring distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are solitary, actinomorphic, with five white petals and yellow staminodes arranged in a crown around the central ovary.
Stems: Erect, branched, hairy, with opposite or alternate phyllotaxis, and bearing milky sap in the parenchyma.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Bitter: Commonly referenced as a moderate bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a mild diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Astringent: In herbal texts, considered a soothing astringent, in structural-support contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Terpenoid: A chemical class commonly associated with volatile plant constituents.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Toxicity related to this herb has been documented in available sources.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Infused Oil: Plant material is steeped in oil to transfer fat-soluble compounds.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.