Report on Pill-bearing Spurge Side Effects and Usage

Pill-bearing Spurge

Pill bearing spurge
Pill-bearing Spurge is commonly known as the asthma plant. This perennial plant grows to 20 inches (50cm) with oval leaves and cluster of small flowers.

Historically pill-bearing Spurge has been used to treat bronchial asthma, bronchitis, and other resperatory tract conditions as well as intestinal amebiasis, an intestinal infection caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, which causes abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, and excessive gas.

Typical usage: as an infusion, tea, or tincture. A boiling cup of water was poured onto 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of dried leaves and let infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. This was taken orally three times a day. A tincture was also used (1 to 2ml) taken three times a day.

Side Effects – Warnings

Natural health supplements and herbal remedies sometimes have unexpected side effects or interactions with medication that can lead to adverse reactions that are sometimes life threatening. The following is a list of things that you should be aware of before using this herb. These are referred to as drug/herb interactions.

Warning 1 – ACE inhibitors: There is a drug-herb interaction between pill-bearing spurge and ACE inhibitors. Using these together may increase blood pressure (hypotention).
Experts recommend that pill-bearing Spurge and ACE inhibitors should NOT be used concurrently.

Warning 2 – Anticholinergics: There is a drug-herb interaction between pill-bearing spurge and Anticholinergics. Using these together may decrease the effectiveness of the anticholinergic.

Experts recommend that pill-bearing Spurge and ACE anticholinergics should NOT be used concurrently.

Warning 3 – Anticoagulants: The drug-herb interaction between pill-bearing spurge and anticoagulants may increase the effects of the anticoagulants. Experts recommend that pill-bearing Spurge and anticoagulants should NOT be used concurrently.

Warning 4 – Barbiturates: The drug-herb interaction between pill-bearing spurge and barbiturates may increase the effects of the barbiturates. Experts recommend that pill-bearing Spurge and barbiturates should NOT be used concurrently.

Warning 5 – Cholinesterase inhibitors: The drug-herb interaction between pill-bearing spurge and cholinesterase inhibitors may increase the effects of cholinesterase inhibitors.

Warning 6: Experts recommend that pill-bearing Spurge and disulfiram should NOT be used concurrently.

Warning 7: This plant is toxic if eaten. The sap (latex) is a serious skin and eye irritant.

Warning 8: Taking pill-bearing spurge may interfere with the action of Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) and Erythromycin (Erythrocin, Staticin).

Warning 9:When taken internally pill-bearing spurge may also worsen inflammatory or infectious gastrointestinal ailments by irritating the gastrointestinal tract.

Side Effects of Pill-bearing Spurge

The side effects of Pill-bearing spurge include:

  1. Nausea
  2. Vomiting
  3. Gastric symptoms
  4. Allergic reactions

Other side effects may also occur when using pill-bearing spurge. (See form below)

As with any herb, a serious allergic reaction is possible. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. These may include a rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

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For questions and answers about the side effects of herbs see the Herb Forum


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