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Herbs and plants have been used to treat a wide range of medical issues for thousands of years. Pain, rash, and chronic diseases were all treated with these natural remedies. Thousands of years ago, no one had access to the chemical compounds that are now used to create medications that target specific diseases and ailments.

Is Euphorbia Really Effective To Treat Skin Problems?
Euphorbia

Using herbs instead of or in addition to pharmaceuticals is still a viable option today. Because herbs are natural resources, many people find that they have less negative effects than traditional drugs.

People frequently use herbs and plants instead of medicines to cure skin issues. To treat problems like sunburn or eczema, many herbs and plants can be applied directly to the skin. One of those plants is known as Euphorbia, which is a well-known natural treatment for skin problems. [1]

What is Euphorbia?

If you’ve ever heard of Euphorbia, you’re probably thinking of a lovely Christmas poinsettia gracing a home for the holidays. Poinsettia is the common name for a type of Euphorbia plant, but it is just out of the over 2000 species of Euphorbia. [2]

Some species of Euphorbia include Euphorbia Milii, Euphorbia Trigona, Euphobia Diamon Frost, et al.

One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Euphorbia plant family is that it blossoms. The flowers are notable for generating white latex sap that comes out when the plant is cut, and they grow in clusters. [3]

This sap is often mixed into a skin solution. Spurge sap is another name Euphorbia is referred to.

How Does Euphorbia Work?

Euphorbia is used to treat various skin diseases in two ways: it is either taken orally, or it is applied to the skin. The majority of people prefer to use Euphorbia sap as a skin salve. It’s often mixed with other natural items that can help fight infections and remove harmful skin cells.

Euphorbia works by killing the skin cells that cause inflammation, itching, and other symptoms when applied to the skin or ingested. It “burns off” the unhealthy cells that cause skin problems. In this way, the plant keeps the infection from spreading by preventing the harmful skin cells from duplicating quickly. [4]

What are Common Skin Problems?

Various Euphorbia plants are well-known for their medicinal benefits. For years, indigenous peoples have made use of the plant and its sap to treat a variety of ailments, including skin disorders.

The following are some of the most common skin disorders or problems that Euphorbia can sometimes help with:

Eczema: Redness, itching, scaling, and sometimes oozing are common symptoms of eczema. The problem causes people to have the sense that their skin is “boiling out” whatever is bothering them. [5]

Other forms of eczema create different symptoms, and different types of treatment are often required for prevention and healing. Mild forms of eczema are commonly referred to as “rashes.” [6]

Skin Infections: There are numerous forms of skin infections, but the most of them are caused by bacteria entering the skin in some way. The infection is determined by the bacterium that is producing it and the location where that bacteria is causing harm. Boils, redness, and swelling are all signs of a skin infection. [7]

Skin Tumors: Although they are not always cancerous, skin tumors cause concern among the general public. As people become older, tumors on the skin become more common, and cells in the skin produce tissues that are abnormal. Some tumors contain water, while others could be moles. Skin tumors can be harmless or cancerous, depending on the circumstances. Because of their variety, tumors should be evaluated by a specialist as soon as they are discovered. [8]

What are the Benefits of Euphorbia

Euphorbia has numerous benefits. Anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor [9], anti-viral, insect repellant, anti-oxidation, anti-diabetic, sedative, and wound-healing properties are among them. [10]

The most important benefit of using Euphorbia to treat common skin conditions like eczema is that it works.

Other benefits include

  • The leaves of Euphorbia are known to help treat skin irritations
  • It can be used to clear up warts on the surface of the skin
  • Euphorbia can also be used to treat snakebites
  • Helps with constipation, asthma, and throat or breathing issues
  • Strengthen your immune system
  • Lowers inflammation

What are the Risks of Euphorbia?

Euphorbia, unfortunately, has certain disadvantages and risks as well. Euphorbia is toxic, which is the most evident and severe risk of using it for any purpose, including the treatment of skin diseases. Euphorbia is lethal if used or consumed in excess.

Euphorbia is effective in treating skin issues because it kills cells. That implies that, while it kills cells, it can be as dangerous as it is beneficial.

The plant’s salve may or may not bring about irritation and intense reactions. It all depends on the type of Euphorbia used, how it is applied, and the person’s body chemistry. When the plant comes into contact with the skin in or around the mouth, eyes, ears, or other orifices, it can be dangerous.

Is Euphorbia Poisonous Plant? Euphorbia, as a poisonous plant, must be handled with caution and preserved safely. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to the deadly plant, and getting into contact with it can result in serious negative effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Euphorbia Safe?

A: There isn’t enough information to determine whether Euphorbia is safe.
When taken orally, it might cause nausea and vomiting, among other things. Avoid touching the fresh herb since it may irritate your skin or trigger allergic reactions. [11]

Q: What is the Recommended Dose for Taking Euphorbia?

A: The right dose of Euphorbia is determined by various factors, including the user’s age, health, and other circumstances. Before using, be sure to check with your doctor.

Q: What are the Common Alternative Options to Take Euphorbia?

A: Alternatives that can help in the treatment of skin problems such as eczema include:

  • Methods of Relief: Eczema and other skin disorders have previously been treated using acupuncture and hypnosis. Both of these choices, though less popular, are occasionally used for this reason.
  • Diet Adjustments: A variety of dietary changes can assist in improving skin health and, as a result, fight or avoid skin disorders. Increase your intake of probiotics, vitamin D, and B12.
  • Applications: Some various herbs and oils can be used to treat eczema and other skin conditions, offering relief and aiding recovery. Sunflower seed oil, Aloe Vera, Coconut Oil, and Vaseline are among the products that can be used. [12]

Final Verdict

Euphorbia has been clinically demonstrated to help with several medical conditions. Despite the fact that natural herbs do not cause side effects, it is vital to pay attention to dosage and precautions. So make sure to get the advice of a qualified medical professional and only consume after conducting extensive study.

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12 Sources

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

[1] Patient education: Sunburn (Beyond the Basics): https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sunburn-beyond-the-basics
[2] Islam MA, Lütken H, Haugslien S, et al. Overexpression of the AtSHI gene in poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, results in compact plants [published correction appears in PLoS One. 2013;8(7). doi:10.1371/annotation/010f6c7f-9745-4810-a370-c96fb1f583e9]. PLoS One. 2013;8(1):e53377. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0053377
[3] Basak SK, Bakshi PK, Basu S, Basak S. Keratouveitis caused by Euphorbia plant sap. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009;57(4):311-313. doi:10.4103/0301-4738.53060
[4] Majid M, Khan MR, Shah NA, et al. Studies on phytochemical, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Euphorbia dracunculoides. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2015;15:349. Published 2015 Oct 7. doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0868-0
[5] Itching: https://medlineplus.gov/itching.html
[6] Rashes: https://medlineplus.gov/rashes.html
[7] Skin Infections: https://medlineplus.gov/skininfections.html
[8] Tabassum N, Hamdani M. Plants used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacogn Rev. 2014;8(15):52-60. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.125531 [10] Kumar S, Malhotra R, Kumar D. Euphorbia hirta: Its chemistry, traditional and medicinal uses, and pharmacological activities. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4(7):58-61. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.65327
[11] Salehi B, Iriti M, Vitalini S, et al. Euphorbia-Derived Natural Products with Potential for Use in Health Maintenance. Biomolecules. 2019;9(8):337. Published 2019 Aug 2. doi:10.3390/biom9080337
[12] Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. Published 2017 Dec 27. doi:10.3390/ijms19010070
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Jason Vredenburg, RD

Jason Vredenburg is a nutrition writer with over twenty years of experience as a Registered Dietitian. He has researched and written nu