Even though this plant has certain virtues, this information is scientifically unfounded according to the Ministry of Health and Population, the WHO, and a traditional practitioner contacted by AFC.
Brief Verification:
For several days, a Facebook post accompanied by an image claims that the Euphorbia plant cures several diseases. With 342 shares, 290 comments, and 1798 interactions and likes, this information has gone viral.
Here’s what the post says: “The plant you see in the image is one of the most miraculous plants in the world. Just dry it in the shade, not in the sun. This plant treats almost all the diseases you know…” “This plant treats diseases such as: male and female infertility, cough, tuberculosis, hypertension, and other conditions…” reads the post’s caption.
This medicinal plant may have some virtues, but it cannot cure the conditions mentioned in this post, health specialists have stressed.
This post has sparked high hopes among internet users, and AFC wanted to separate truth from fiction.
Detailed Verification:
Interviewed by AFC, Bienvenu Maligbata, a traditional practitioner, provided more details on the virtues of this plant. “I admit that this medicinal plant may have properties to treat certain diseases. Personally, to be honest, I have never used it to treat a patient suffering from cancer, etc.”
Interviewed by AFC, Valentin Nebanga, a doctor in the health promotion department at the Ministry of Health and Population, refuted the claims: “This information is false. It’s surprising that some people claim this plant can treat several diseases. There is no scientific study that has approved this plant as a treatment for these conditions.”
According to Augustin Dibert, Health Promotion Advisor at WHO, “Nothing is scientifically proven contrary to these claims. Moreover, WHO works jointly with traditional medicine specialists in health research.”
Furthermore, we conducted an in-depth investigation into the virtues of this plant. According to the data collected, Euphorbia is an annual tropical medicinal plant. This Euphorbia is found in Asia and Africa and is a highly invasive creeping species. Its medicinal virtues: Euphorbia is a medicinal plant prescribed exclusively to relieve respiratory problems. This plant has a relaxing effect on the bronchi and also helps eliminate mucus. It is particularly suitable for asthma attacks and hay fever. Euphorbia is traditionally used to treat heavy menstruation. You can prepare this Euphorbia as a hot tea. However, caution suggests that Euphorbia may cause vomiting in high doses.
In conclusion, the post claiming that the medicinal plant Euphorbia has cured multiple conditions is false. Be wary of self-medication as it is not only harmful to health but can also be fatal.
By Marie Paule Vopiade / Princia Yalla / AFC
This article was produced as part of the AFC-Internews partnership funded by USAID. However, the content does not engage the responsibility of the partner.
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