Euphorbia antiquorum (Euphorbiaceae)

Euphorbia antiquorum (Ancient Euphorbia)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Euphorbia antiquorum

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Genus: Euphorbia

The Euphorbiaceae family is characterized by plants containing a milky, often toxic latex, with applications ranging from severe purgation to potent rejuvenation.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ricinus communis (Eranda/Castor): A vital Ayurvedic purgative and anti-inflammatory herb, demonstrating the family's range from toxic to therapeutic.

• Jatropha curcas (Danti): A drastic purgative used in detoxification therapy, sharing similar cautions.

• Phyllanthus emblica (Amalaki/Amla): A premier rejuvenative fruit, showing the family's diversity from toxic saps to nourishing superfoods.

• Croton tiglium (Jamalgota): Another intensely purgative and toxic seed used in minute processed doses.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Euphorbia antiquorum | English: Ancient Euphorbia, Antique Spurge, Fleshy Spurge | Sanskrit: Snuhi, Vajradruma, Tridhara | Hindi: Tridhara, Sheora | Tamil: Chaturakkalli, Surali | Telugu: Bomma Jemudu, Akujemudu | Kannada: Mole Madda | Malayalam: Chaturakkalli | Marathi: Nivadung, Tridhara | Bengali: Tiktasij | Sinhala: Daluk | Thai: Som Chomphu Pa |

3. Medicinal Uses:Extreme Caution - Highly Toxic. In processed forms: Purgative, Carminative, Anti-inflammatory, Antirheumatic, Antiseptic. Used externally for warts and skin growths.

Medicinal Parts:The latex is the primary medicinal part. The stems and roots are used only after specific detoxification (Shodhana) processes.

• Latex: Applied topically in minute amounts. Highly corrosive and toxic.

• Processed Stem/Root: Used in classical formulations after purification.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Diterpene Esters (Ingenol Esters): These are the primary irritant and toxic compounds in the latex. Their action is Powerfully Irritant, Pro-inflammatory on contact, and Antiproliferative, which is why it can destroy warts but also cause severe blistering.

Triterpenoids: May contribute to the plant's systemic effects after processing.

Flavonoids & Sterols: Present in smaller amounts, with general Antioxidant potential, but overshadowed by the toxic constituents.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Virechana (Purgation Therapy) - After Shodhana

Formulation: Snuhi Kshara (alkaline ash) or purified latex.

Preparation & Use: In Ayurveda, the latex or plant parts are subjected to complex purification processes like heating with specific mediums (e.g., ginger juice) or converting to an ash (Kshara). This processed form is then used in minute doses in formulations for controlled, drastic purgation to eliminate deep-seated toxins.

Reasoning: The Shodhana process is believed to mitigate toxicity while retaining the purgative potency. It exemplifies the Ayurvedic principle of transforming poisons into medicines.

Arbuda (Warts/Tumors) & Vrana (Wounds) - External Only

Formulation: Fresh, undiluted latex.

Preparation & Use: A single drop of the fresh latex is applied precisely to warts, corns, or small skin outgrowths once a day. It is NEVER applied to healthy surrounding skin. For chronic, non-healing wounds, the latex may be applied to the periphery to stimulate healing.

Reasoning: The potent irritant and cytotoxic action of the diterpene esters destroys the abnormal tissue. This is a classic example of topical chemotherapy in traditional medicine.

Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) & Shotha (Inflammation)

Formulation: Medicated oil or poultice from processed plant.

Preparation & Use: After detoxification, the plant is used in oils or poultices applied to inflamed joints and swellings.

Reasoning: The processed plant retains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties suitable for external application.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

There is NO safe culinary use. Internal use of any unprocessed part is POISONOUS.

Warning: The following external application is extremely hazardous and should only be considered with great caution.

Targeted Application for Warts (Extreme Precautions)

Purpose: To remove common warts.Preparation & Use:

1. Wash the area. Smear petroleum jelly or thick oil on the healthy skin surrounding the wart to protect it.

2. Using a toothpick or pin, carefully place a tiny, single drop of fresh latex only on the center of the wart.

3. Allow to dry. Cover with a bandage if desired.

4. Repeat every 3-4 days until the wart darkens and falls off.

5. NEVER use on the face, genitals, or near eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.

7. Disclaimer:

Euphorbia antiquorum is HIGHLY TOXIC and DANGEROUS. Its milky latex is extremely corrosive and can cause severe blistering, dermatitis, and permanent damage to skin and mucous membranes. If it comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause severe pain, corneal damage, and even blindness. Internal ingestion of even a small amount of unprocessed latex can cause burning of the mouth and throat, severe vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, and may be fatal. This plant should not be used by the public. Any therapeutic use, especially internal, MUST ONLY be conducted by a qualified Ayurvedic or Siddha practitioner who understands the complex purification (Shodhana) protocols. This information is for academic and identification purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Sushruta Samhita (especially the Kalpa Sthana on purification techniques)

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Siddha Materia Medica

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Euphorbia nerifolia (Sehund)

• Species: Euphorbia nerifolia | Family: Euphorbiaceae | Genus: Euphorbia

• Similarities: Another Snuhi mentioned in classical texts. It is used interchangeably with E. antiquorum for similar purposes—after purification for purgation and its latex for topical application on warts and swellings. It shares the same toxic profile and need for expert handling.

2. Chelidonium majus (Greater Celandine)

• Species: Chelidonium majus | Family: Papaveraceae | Genus: Chelidonium

• Similarities: While from a different family, it also produces a bright orange-yellow latex that is traditionally used topically to treat warts and skin growths. Like Euphorbia, it is toxic and caustic, demonstrating a parallel ethnobotanical use of cytotoxic plant latexes in different traditions.

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