Tawa plant (Euphorbia hirta)
The tawa-tawa is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma
Health benefits of tawa-tawa:
- May help with respiratory health: Tawa-tawa extract has chemicals that can help reduce inflammation, kill germs, and make it easier to breathe by loosening mucus in the lungs
- May treat dengue fever: Tawa-tawa tea helps increase blood platelets and reduces bleeding, which may help people suffering from dengue fever.
- May have antibacterial properties: Tawa-tawa has been shown to possess several bioactive compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity.
- May aid in toxin removal: Tawa-tawa has been found to have diuretic properties, which can help flush out toxins from the body.
- May have anti-inflammatory properties: Tawa-tawa contains flavonoids and tannins, which may have anti-inflammatory effects.
- May benefit skin: Tawa-tawa has been found to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals
The Tawa plant is used for breathing disorders, dengue fever, digestive problems, severe diarrhoea (dysentery), and many other conditions,
Also called Gatas-gatas because of the healing properties of its milky juice. It contains triterpenes and phytosterols, …but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
The part of this plant grows above the ground and it also has the ability to treat asthma, bronchitis, hay fever and lots more.
How to use the Tawa plant
- Tawa-tawa tea: Take a handful of fresh or dried tawa-tawa leaves and boil them in water for about 10 minutes. Strain the tea to remove the plant residues. You can drink this tea up to three times a day to help treat respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis.
- Topical application: The sap from tawa-tawa leaves can be applied topically to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe and heal the skin.
- Insect repellent: Tawa-tawa can be used as an insect repellent. It has been used to repel malaria- and dengue-causing mosquitoes.
It is important to note that the nutrient content of tawa-tawa can vary depending on factors such as the location where the plant is grown, the soil conditions, and the time of year it is harvested
Side effects of Tawa- tawa
While tawa-tawa has many potential health benefits, it is important to note that it can have side effects as well. Here are some potential side effects of tawa-tawa:
- Digestive issues: Prolonged or excessive use of tawa-tawa may lead to digestive issues such as diarrhoea or upset stomach.
- Skin irritation: Handling the plant can sometimes cause skin irritation or itchiness due to irritants on the leaves and stems
Note: this plant has some slight side effects, we therefore recommend the advice of an expert before using it.
