Asclepias curassavica

Occurrence

Probably originating from Central and or South America. Its occurrence now ranges from Florida, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru to Bolivia.

It is found at the sea side of the coastal Caribbean. It supports temperate as well as hot climates. It grows frequently as a wild weed.

The plant is much visited by bees as well as other pollinators such as butterflies.

Medicinal uses

The leaf is used as a decoction that induces vomiting. A decoction of the root is astringent and purgative. Leaves and tips of inflorescences in a dose of 40 g/l in a decoction of 5 minutes are said to cure any stage of syphilis. The leaves applied locally are used as an antiflammatory and antipyretic remedy and are also employed to ease headaches, to dry wounds and to soothe inflammation of the liver. Pulverized leaves cure abdominal cancer and act in a caustic way. Orally taken leaves ease hemorrhoids. A decoction of the leaves is used externally to cure wounds snake bites, insect bites and to treat affections of the skin such as acne and other bacterial conditions. Internaly, it is applied for ulcers.

Stem is a vomitive. Root acts as an astringent and purgative. An extract of the roots inhaled cures chronic catarrh. Fresh or dry roots cut into pieces and treated as a decoction are a very strong vomitive against poisoning. Flower cures wounds and ulcers. The terminal inflorescences are applied in popular medicine as hemostatic and against gonorrhea. Seeds are taken orally and are an antidote against snake bites. Entire plant taken cures rheumatism and excites the central nervous system. The use of the entire plant is very dangerous because it is toxic and can affect the heart by sudden paralyzation.

The plant grows like a weed even on poor soil and supports temperatures.

Toxicity

Latex of plant is highly toxic for humans and can be poisonous for cattle and domestic pets.

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