Herb latin name: Euphorbia sieboldiana


Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)



Medicinal use of Euphorbia sieboldiana:

The roots are diuretic and laxative. They are crushed and swallowed with water in the treatment of schistosomiasis-caused ascites, oedema and constipation. This plant is poisonous and should be used with caution, preferably only under the supervision of a qualified herbalist.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
April
to July

Habitat of the herb:

Grassy places and thickets in lowland and mountains all over Japan. Forest floors or forest margins, or marshes on lowland, hills or mountains.

Edible parts of Euphorbia sieboldiana:

Stems and leaves - cooked. They are boiled, soaked in water, squeezed and then eaten. Caution is advised, see the notes on toxicity above.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring in a shaded cold frame. Germination usually takes place within 2 - 3 weeks at 20°C.

Cultivation of Euphorbia sieboldiana:

Grassy places and thickets in lowland and mountains all over Japan. Forest floors or forest margins, or marshes on lowland, hills or mountains.

Known hazards of Euphorbia sieboldiana:

The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.