Asthma Weed
Asthma Weed is also known as Hairy Spurge or Cat’s Hair. It is a weed of the semi-tropics and tropics, and does not tolerate frosts.
Jerry Spencer 
Asthma Weed is also known as Hairy Spurge or Cat’s Hair. It is a weed of the semi-tropics and tropics, and does not tolerate frosts.
This is a Summer annual weed that has very soft leaves. It produces several red stems that can be up to 40 cm tall or spread close to the ground. These stems have a cover of yellow hairs and contain a milky sap.
- It has its name because people use it to treat asthma and lung diseases.
- This plant is also works against worms, dysentery and colic, warts, asthma, bronchitis and dengue fever.
Why is Asthma Weed a Problem?
- Although it is a short lived plant, it is fast-growing, and outcompetes plants for water, light and nutrition.
- Each plant produces hundreds of seeds, which disperse easily.
- It has a quick life cycle. This means it can quickly produce seeds.
- It is very adaptable to environmental conditions. It tolerates poor soils, high temperatures, and even shade.
- The sap of this weed is toxic if eaten. It causes photosensitive skin reactions, and severe inflammation on contact with the eyes or open cuts.
- It is a host for several fungal pathogens and insect pests.
