Snake Weed / Amman Pacharisi

Kingdom: Plantae
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Genus: Euphorbia
Species: E. hirta
Binomial name: Euphorbia Thymifolia

This plant has various names, but it is typically known as snakeweed. The botanical name of this plant is Euphorbia Thymifolia. This plant is mostly used to treat snake bites among sheep that’s why it got the name snakeweed. This plant is also known as match weed, broom weed, asthma plant, Tawa-Tawa, and porter weed.

This flowering plant belongs to the daisy family. This plant is widely distributed in Northern America, but it is used as a medicine all over the world. The chemical compounds of this snakeweed are phytosterol, gallic acid, melissic, cetyl alcohol, palmitic, linoleic acid, triacontane, quercitin, leucocianidol, phytosterolin, oleic, quercitrol, and euphorbianin that ensures numerous medicinal properties and health benefits of this herb. 

Health Benefits

• In the Philippines, snakeweed is traditionally used to treat dengue and other viral infections caused by mosquitos.
• Crushing and inhaling the dried snakeweed helps to clear chest congestion and supports the respiratory system.
• This plant has a good amount of antihypertensive properties, which is good for people who are suffering from high blood pressure.
• Snakeweed is good medicine to treat open wounds and other skin problems.
• This herbal plant has a good level of anti-bacterial properties, which is used to improve dental health.