Diffuse annual or perennial herb, 20-30cm. high. Stems glabrous, usually purplish. Leaves alternate, very short-petioled, prominently arranged in two rows, resembling a pinnate leaf.
Euphorbiaceae
Phyllanthus urinaria L.
Local names:
Description:
Diffuse annual or perennial herb, 20-30cm. high. Stems glabrous, usually purplish. Leaves alternate, very short-petioled, prominently arranged in two rows, resembling a pinnate leaf. Flowers minute, yellowish, unisexual, solitary in the axils; both sexes on the same plant Capsule without stalk, globose, slightly compressed, echinate.
Flowering period:
April - August
Distribution:
Common weed everywhere.
Parts used:
The whole plant, harvested the whole year round but especially in summer, is commonly used fresh, occasionally dried.
Chemical composition:
The whole plant contains bitter substances, alkaloids.
Therapeutic uses:
The whole plant, which possesses antibacterial and demulcent properties, is useful in the treatment of sore throat, boils, especially on the chin, impetigo, infantile cheek eczema, tongue thrush, arthralgia, snake and centipede bites, post-partum haematometra, fever, ophthalmia and hepato-biliary diseases. The usual daily dose is 8 to 16g of dried plant in the form of a decoction, or 20 to 40g of fresh plant in the form of a salted juice administered by mouth; the residue is applied topically. The species Phyllanthus niruri is also useful.