Tawa Tawa tea (Euphorbia hirta) or “The Asthma Plant” grows all over India, Asia, Japan, Australia, Africa and in other parts of the world including the US.
Other names for the plant are pill bearing spurge, garden spurge, hairy spurge, ewe emi-ile in Yoruba. It loves growing in open areas with lots of grass and even along side roads… and it’s easy to grow.
Parts Used – The leaves and stems are most commonly used for tea… but for certain applications, even the roots are used.
Lowers Blood Pressure – Tawa Tawa Tea lowers blood pressure by being an anti-diuretic agent… containing an angiotensin enzyme that decreases urine output.
Anti-diuretic – Tawa Tawa Tea is great for those who suffer from drinking too much coffee and becoming too dehydrated or drinking too much alcohol. This tea decreases urine output thus helping to prevent dehydration. It contains tannins and other compounds that reabsorb electrolytes and water into the system.
Antibacterial, Anti-fungal, and Ameba Agent – Tawa Tawa Tea is a good antibacterial, anti-ameba, and anti-fungal agent that inhibits the growth of these infections… plus the tea can be used externally for treating athletes foot. It’s recommended for internal use to boil up to 50 grams of the fresh leaves in 4 cups water for 3 or 4 minutes, then drinking 3 to 5 cups a day.
GI Tract – Tawa Tawa Tea calms and soothes the GI tract and puts an end to diarrhea. For diarrhea use, one teaspoon of the dried leaves steeped in one cup of water for 5 to 10 minutes and drink 2 or 3 cups a day.
Relaxing Agent – Tawa Tawa Tea also helps to sooth away anxiety and stress. For stress boil up to 50 grams of the fresh leaves in 4 cups water for 3 or 4 minutes, then drinking 3 to 5 cups a day.
Increases Platelet Production – Tawa Tawa Tea boosts platelet production. A study with rabbits at San Pedro College in the Philippines showed a 194% increase in platelet production. Steep 1 teaspoon of dried leaves in one cup of hot water for 10 minutes and drink 2 to 3 times a day. More Studies to be done on Tawa Tawa and increasing Platelets.
Dengue Fever – Tawa Tawa Tea can boost platelet production which is important for treating Dengue Fever. But it should not be used for more than 24 hours or up to 2 or 3 days in the beginning stages of Dengue Fever.
Asthma and Bronchitis – Tawa Tawa Tea works well for asthma and bronchitis as a bronchodilator… thus making it easier to breathe.
Skin Problems – The fresh sap of the plant can be applied externally for treating wounds, boils, warts, fungi, and rashes… it will turn dark blue when applied. Plus a dried powder of the leaves can also be used for open wounds.
Oral Ulcers – Tawa Tawa Tea used as a gargle heals oral ulcers… because it kills bacteria.
Immune System - Tawa Tawa can actually impact the immune system in a number of ways, but one of the popular traditional uses of the herb was to treat eye infections. By using the flowers of the plant, a decoction could be made that soothed eye infections and reduced the signs of conjunctivitis. This treatment is still in used today.
Sexual Health - Tawa Tawa has a number of effects when it comes to sexual health, but its antiviral and antibacterial qualities make it very effective in treating venereal diseases and urinary tract infections. This is a traditional use and also a modern one.
Sexual Activity - In males, Tawa Tawa has long been used as a sexual stimulant, both to increase libido and boost fertility. For males who want to boost their sex drive and improve their chances of starting a family, Tawa Tawa can be a great solution. It can even help to prevent premature ejaculation! For women, Tawa Tawa can stimulate the production of breast milk. However, it should not be given to pregnant women, as it can cause miscarriages.
Use – Tawa Tawa Tea should only be used for short periods of time. Sometimes only 24 hours, at other times 5 or 6 days, it’s very powerful and must be used with care. Take 2 teaspoons of the fresh or dried herb and place it in a cup of boiling water and let steep for 15 minutes and drink 3 to 5 times a day.
NOTE - It is not a good idea to consume large amounts of the herb orally, as it can induce vomiting, in some cases. Also, as mentioned above, pregnant women should avoid use of this herb. Other side effects are mild and infrequent. As always, speak with a trained herbalist or your medical practitioner to ensure that you are a good candidate for adding a powerful herbal remedy to your diet or health plan.
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