Poinsettia
Scientific names: Euphorbia pulcherrima, Poinsettia pulcherrima, Euphorbia poinsettia
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Alternate names: Christmas Flower, Christmas Star, Easter Flower, Étoile de Noël, Fleur Pentecôte, Flor de Pascua, Lalpatta, Lalupate, Lobster Flower Plant, Lobsterplant, Mexican Flame Leaf, Noche Buena, Paintedleaf, Papagallo, Pastora
Background
Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a plant with red bracts (leaves) native to the US, Mexico, and Guatemala. It's often used as a Christmas decoration.
The whole poinsettia plant and its sap (latex) have been used to make medicine. Chemicals in the dried sap might have pain relieving effects.
People use poinsettia for fever, pain, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Poinsettia might also be unsafe.
The whole poinsettia plant and its sap (latex) have been used to make medicine. Chemicals in the dried sap might have pain relieving effects.
People use poinsettia for fever, pain, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Poinsettia might also be unsafe.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if poinsettia is safe. Side effects might include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
When applied to the skin: Poinsettia is possibly unsafe. It can cause serious skin reactions, including irritation and burns.
When applied to the skin: Poinsettia is possibly unsafe. It can cause serious skin reactions, including irritation and burns.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Poinsettia is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using poinsettia for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of poinsettia might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if Poinsettia interacts with any medicines. Before taking Poinsettia, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 18/11/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 26/08/2020 01:41:57. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
