Evidence supporting the use of: Euphorbia (unspecified)
For the health condition: Abscesses
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
The use of Euphorbia species in the treatment of abscesses is primarily rooted in traditional medicine rather than scientific evidence. Various species of Euphorbia have been used in folk medicine systems across the world, including in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, to address skin conditions such as abscesses, boils, and ulcers. Traditional applications often involved the use of latex or extracts topically, attributed to the plant’s irritant and purported antimicrobial properties. For example, in Indian Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, Euphorbia neriifolia and other species have been applied to abscesses to help “draw out” pus or reduce inflammation. Similarly, some African ethnomedicinal practices have included Euphorbia species for skin infections and abscesses. However, these uses are primarily anecdotal and passed down through generations.
Scientific validation for the use of Euphorbia in abscess treatment is lacking. While some studies have investigated the antimicrobial properties of certain Euphorbia extracts, the evidence is generally preliminary, in vitro, and not specific to abscesses. Moreover, Euphorbia latex is known to be highly irritating and potentially toxic, raising concerns about its safety for topical use. There are no well-conducted clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies that confirm its efficacy or safety in treating abscesses. Thus, the evidence rating is low, and the historical use is not supported by modern scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Abscesses
activated charcoalaloe vera
bayberry
berberine
bergamot
black walnut
bromelain
burdock
chamomile
cowage seed
turmeric
curcumin
echinacea purpurea
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
green tea
lavender
LH01-myoviridae
licorice root
magnesium
oregano
plantain
protein
scrophularia root
trypsin
vitamin C
bentonite
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
punarnava
paederia foetida
blackboard tree
privet
boxthorne
pau d'arco
myrrh
siler root
amber
trichosanthes
sheep's sorrel
assam indigo
eucalyptus
stillingia
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
arnica
Ash
Asclepias cordifolia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Ardisia
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Aucubin
American Liverleaf
Aquilegia formosa
Andrographis
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Asteracea
Abuta
Alkanna
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Black-Eyed Susan
Balsam
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bloodroot
Banyan
Bletilla
Boxwood
Bur-Reed
Bee products
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Black root
Bassia scoparia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Calendula
Croton seeds
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cymbidium goeringii
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cynoglossum grande
Celandine
California Pitcher Plant
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Cynanchum
Clerodendrum indicum
Casearia sylvestris
Catlaw Buttercup
Chrysophanics
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
European Elder
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Echinacea
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Oak
Other health conditions supported by Euphorbia (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Afterbirth Pain
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Eczema
Emphysema
Eye Infections
Fever
Gonorrhea
Headache (general)
Infection
Inflammation
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Lesions
Lice
Mastitis
Poison Ivy or Oak
Poisoning (general)
Rashes and Hives
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Snake Bite
Staph Infections
Stye
Ulcerations (external)
Urinary Tract Infections
Warts
Wounds and Sores