Herb's Introduction Euphorbia nivulia, also known as the Indian Spurge Tree or Common Milk Hedge, is a fascinating succulent plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly in the Ayurvedic and Siddha systems of India. A member of the Euphorbiaceae family, it is a xerophytic plant, meaning it is well-adapted to survive in dry, arid environments. This resilience makes it a common sight on rocky hillsides and in scrub forests, where it often serves as a natural fence for agricultural fields.
The plant's most notable characteristic, and the source of many of its common names, is its milky white latex. This sap is highly caustic and poisonous, serving as the plant's primary defense mechanism against herbivores. Despite its toxicity, this latex, along with other parts of the plant, has been carefully utilized for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments. Its traditional uses are a testament to the deep ethnobotanical knowledge of the cultures that have coexisted with this remarkable species.
Names in Different Countries and Terminology
The plant is known by various names across the regions where it grows, reflecting its cultural significance and unique appearance. The name Euphorbia nivulia is the scientific name, with Euphorbia helicothele as a synonym.
Language Common Name English Common Milk Hedge, Indian Spurge Tree, Holy Milk Hedge, Leafy Milk Hedge, Dog's Tongue Hindi काटाथोहार (Katathohar), सेन्हुर (Senhur), थोर (Thor) Sanskrit वज्र (Vajri), पत्रसूही (Patrashuhi), स्नुही (Snuhi) Malayalam കള്ളിപ്പാല (Kallippala), ഇലക്കള്ളി (Elakkalli), ഇലക്കള്ളി (Ilakalli) Telugu బొగ్గు జిల్లేడు (Bogu Jilledu) Tamil மான் செவிக்கள்ளி (Maan Sevikalli), சிலைக்கள்ளி (Silaikkalli) Kannada ದುಬಕಳ್ಳಿ (Duba Kalli), ದುಂಡಕಳ್ಳಿ (Dundakalli) Bengali সিজ (Sij) Odia ସ୍ୱରସନା (Svarasana)
Availability
Euphorbia nivulia is native to the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions. It is widely distributed across India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Within India, it is particularly common in the dry, rocky areas of peninsular and central India, including the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
While it grows naturally in wild, arid habitats, it is also frequently cultivated. Due to its thorny, impenetrable nature, it is widely planted as a hedge plant to demarcate boundaries and protect agricultural land from wild animals. This practice makes it readily available in rural and semi-rural areas where such natural fencing is still in use. It can be found in scrub forests, deciduous hills, and on steep slopes up to an altitude of 1,000 meters.
External Look
Euphorbia nivulia is a large, erect, fleshy, deciduous shrub that can grow into a small tree, reaching heights of up to 9 meters. Its external appearance is distinctive and easily recognizable.
Branches and Spines: The branches are thick, cylindrical, and succulent. They grow at an obtuse angle from the main trunk. A key feature is the presence of sharp, straight spines arranged in pairs on flat, corky bases that spiral up the stem. These spines are a clear deterrent to grazing animals.
Leaves: The leaves are alternate, sessile, and fleshy. They are oblanceolate-oblong or obovate in shape, tapering to a pointed base and a rounded tip. The leaves are thick and succulent, measuring approximately 7-18 cm in length and 3-6.5 cm in width. They are deciduous, meaning they fall off during the dry season.
Flowers and Fruits: The plant produces unique inflorescences called cyathia, which are characteristic of the Euphorbia genus. These are small, yellow, cup-shaped "flowers" that are usually paired and grow in clusters at the ends of the branches. The fruits are small, three-lobed capsules that mature to a woody container. The seeds are four-angled and smooth.
Latex: All parts of the plant, especially the stem and leaves, contain a milky white latex that exudes when the plant is cut or bruised. This sap is a significant identifying feature and is known for its toxic and irritant properties.
Healing Properties and Advantages Euphorbia nivulia is a potent medicinal plant, and its therapeutic effects have been validated by modern scientific research. Its healing properties are attributed to a rich composition of phytochemicals, including terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds.
Healing Properties:
Antimicrobial: The latex and leaf extracts of the plant show significant antibacterial and antifungal activity. Research has shown effectiveness against a range of microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Wound Healing and Hemostatic: The latex is known to promote wound healing and has hemostatic properties, meaning it helps to stop bleeding. This is due to a protein called nivulian, a cysteine protease, which can reduce clotting time.
Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic: Traditionally used for pain relief and inflammation, the plant possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe conditions like rheumatism, earaches, and cold-related headaches.
Purgative and Laxative: The leaf juice and other extracts are strong purgatives, used to cleanse the digestive system and treat conditions like dropsy and jaundice.
Expectorant and Digestive: The plant's properties as an expectorant help clear mucus from the respiratory system, making it useful for cough and bronchitis. It is also a stomachic, promoting digestion and relieving colic.
Anticancerous and Larvicidal: Preliminary studies have explored its cytotoxic activity, suggesting potential for use in cancer therapy. It also exhibits larvicidal and insecticidal properties, showing promise in controlling disease-carrying mosquitoes.
Advantages:
Resilience and Availability: As a xerophytic plant, E. nivulia is highly resilient and thrives in dry, harsh conditions where other medicinal plants might not survive. This ensures its wide availability, particularly in arid regions.
Multifunctional Use: Almost every part of the plant—the leaves, bark, stem, and latex—is used for different therapeutic purposes, making it a versatile resource in traditional medicine.
Low Maintenance: As a hedge plant, it requires minimal care, making it an accessible and sustainable source of traditional medicine for local communities.
Uses and Using Way
The traditional uses of Euphorbia nivulia are diverse, but they require careful application due to the plant's toxic latex. The methods of preparation and use vary depending on the ailment.
For Cough and Fever: The plant's juice is traditionally given to children to treat cough and fever. A specific method involves roasting the fleshy part of the stem in hot ashes to extract the juice, which is then administered in small, controlled doses.
For Bone Fractures and Rheumatism: The plant is a cornerstone in traditional remedies for musculoskeletal issues. The stem bark is ground into a powder, mixed with goat milk and jaggery to form a paste, and then applied externally to the area of a bone fracture. The leaves, when warmed in mustard oil or mixed with neem oil, are applied externally as a poultice to relieve pain from rheumatism.
For Skin Disorders and Wounds: The milky latex is applied topically to treat a variety of skin conditions, including scorpion stings, itches, and other skin diseases. Its antiseptic and wound-healing properties are highly valued for this purpose.
For Earache and Headaches: The juice from the leaves is employed in cases of earache. Similarly, leaves warmed in mustard oil are applied to the forehead to alleviate headaches and cold symptoms.
For Internal Ailments: The leaf juice is used as a purgative to treat conditions like jaundice, dropsy, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. The coagulated latex is used internally for bronchitis.
In Veterinary Medicine: The latex is also used in veterinary medicine, where it is applied to treat wounds and infections in cattle.
Important Note: It is crucial to remember that the milky latex is a powerful skin irritant and toxic if ingested in large quantities. Internal use of this plant should only be done under the guidance of a qualified traditional practitioner who is knowledgeable in the correct dosage and preparation methods to avoid severe side effects. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and not a recommendation for self-treatment.
Conclusion
Euphorbia nivulia, or Katathohar, is more than just a thorny hedge plant; it is a vital part of traditional herbal medicine in the Indian subcontinent. Its botanical resilience, distinctive external features, and a wide array of documented healing properties make it a subject of continuous interest for both ethnobotanists and modern researchers. From its use as a powerful expectorant and digestive aid to its potent antimicrobial and wound-healing capabilities, the plant serves as a testament to the wisdom of traditional healing systems.
While its toxic nature necessitates caution and expert guidance for its use, its medicinal benefits are undeniable. As we face growing concerns about antibiotic resistance and seek more sustainable health solutions, the study of plants like Euphorbia nivulia offers valuable insights and potential new avenues for drug development. Its role in both human and animal health, as well as its ecological importance in arid landscapes, solidifies its status as a truly remarkable and indispensable plant.
