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Asthma Weed

Euphorbia hirtafam. Euphorbiaceae
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Euphorbia hirta (Asthma Weed) — botanical photograph
Pl. 2A51 — Euphorbia hirta
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I

Overview

Asthma Weed, scientifically known as Euphorbia hirta, is an annual herb that thrives in a wide range of environments across North and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa. Native to Alabama and specific regions in Argentina, Arizona, Aruba, and other Central American countries, this plant has adapted to various conditions, preferring full sun, dry to moist soil, and light or medium textures. Standing at about 0.3 meters tall, it is notable for its edible leaves and shoots, making it a valuable resource in some culinary traditions. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support immune function, Euphorbia hirta is often prepared as a decoction to help maintain overall health and resilience against common ailments. Its widespread presence in temperate and tropical regions makes it a versatile plant for both cultivation and use in traditional medicine.

Quick answers

What is Asthma Weed?

Asthma Weed, scientifically known as Euphorbia hirta, is an annual herb that thrives in a wide range of environments across North and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa.

What is Asthma Weed used for?

Traditionally used for immune support. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.

Best for
Top 1 evidence-ranked use of Asthma Weed
Jump to full evidence →
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
II

Benefits & evidence

1 claim · traditional-use context
Traditional-use context
These notes are presented as ethnobotanical context. No cited clinical references are catalogued for this plant yet.
  • Euphorbia hirta has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support immune function, often prepared as a decoction. It is believed to help maintain overall health and resilience against common ailments.

    The mechanism by which Euphorbia hirta supports the immune system is not fully characterised but may involve bioactive compounds that modulate inflammatory responses.

    ▲ ModerateImmune support →
IV·b

Mixology suggestions

1 draft
Editorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Asthma Weed support blend
general
tea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Asthma Weed, or Euphorbia hirta, thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium. It can grow up to 0.3 meters tall and is both annual and edible, with its leaves and shoots being the parts used. The plant is hardy in temperate regions and grows in a wide range of locations across North and South America, as well as some Caribbean islands. Keep the soil dry to moist, and ensure it receives plenty of sunlight for best growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Asthma Weed for the first time

8steps

Start with a simple, low-maintenance plant that thrives in various conditions.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers, and gardening gloves.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are above 15°C (60°F).

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining potting mix. Containers should be at least 30 cm (12 inches) wide with drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Direct sow seeds 0.5-1 cm deep, or transplant young plants into the prepared containers.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water sparingly to keep soil moist but not soggy. Place in a sunny spot and avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun, water when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage. Harvest young leaves for use in salads or teas.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of the Asthma Weed (Euphorbia hirta) are edible. Typically, they are prepared fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. The plant thrives in full sun and various soil conditions, making it adaptable for cultivation where its leaves can be harvested throughout the growing season.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

55 native · 114 introduced
Distribution across5 continents· 55 native· 114 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Cyprus
Asia15 regions
native (1)Georgia
introduced (14)BangladeshCambodiaChinaIndiaJapanMaldivesNepalOmanPakistanPalestineSaudi ArabiaTaiwanThailandVietnam
Americas20 regions
native (19)BahamasBelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoVenezuela
introduced (1)United States
Africa35 regions
introduced (35)AngolaBeninBotswanaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCameroonChadComorosCôte d'IvoireDjiboutiEritreaEthiopiaGabonGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaLiberiaMadagascarMalawiMaliMauritaniaMozambiqueNigeriaRwandaSenegalSeychellesSierra LeoneSudanTanzaniaTogoZambiaZimbabwe
Oceania5 regions
introduced (5)FijiNauruNew CaledoniaSamoaTonga
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Aruba, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, California, Central American Pac, Chile Central, Florida, Leeward Is., Louisiana, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Mississippi, Netherlands Antilles, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Panamá, South Carolina, Southwest Caribbean, Texas, Trinidad-Tobago, Turks-Caicos Is., Utah, Venezuelan Antilles, Windward Is.
introduced:Aldabra, Andaman Is., Arkansas, Ascension, Bermuda, Bismarck Archipelago, Caroline Is., Central African Repu, Chagos Archipelago, Christmas I., Cocos (Keeling) Is., Congo, Cook Is., East Himalaya, Easter Is., Galápagos, Gilbert Is., Gulf of Guinea Is., Gulf States, Hainan, Howland-Baker Is., Kazan-retto, Kermadec Is., Laccadive Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Line Is., Marcus I., Marianas, Marquesas, Marshall Is., Maryland, Mexican Pacific Is., Mozambique Channel I, Nansei-shoto, New South Wales, New York, New Zealand North, Nicobar Is., Niue, Northern Territory, Ogasawara-shoto, Phoenix Is., Pitcairn Is., Queensland, Society Is., South China Sea, Sulawesi, Tokelau-Manihiki, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., Wake I., Wallis-Futuna Is., West Himalaya, Western Australia, Wisconsin, Zaïre
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Euphorbia hirta (Asthma Weed) — botanical photograph
Asthma Weed (Euphorbia hirta)
X

See also

8 related
XI

Explore further

Companion planting
XII

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