| Euphorbia hirta | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Malpighiales |
| Family: | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus: | Euphorbia |
| Species: | E. hirta |
| Binomial name | |
| Euphorbia hirta L. |
|
Euphorbia hirta, also called asthma weed, and known as tawa-tawa in the Philippines, is a plant of the genus Euphorbia.
It is used traditionally in the Philippines as a curative for dengue fever.[1] In Indonesia, papaya leaves are made into tea traditionally (see jamu) to cure dengue fever.[1]
Mixed messages have been presented by representatives of the Philippine government. The Department of Health (DOH) says tawa-tawa is not enough for critical dengue patients, and urges oral rehydration therapy. Others, like former Health Secretary Jaime Galvez Tan, is actively promoting the herbal medication.[2] It must be noted there is a large difference between cases of dengue without hemorrhagic fever and those with, along with the 4 serotypes, recommended treatment may vary depending on the specific presentation of dengue.