Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed NotebookFR · EN
Resin Spurge
Euphorbia resinifera
Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.
Enhanced precautions for this plant: Fresh latex is extremely irritating to skin, mucous membranes, and particularly to eyes; any accidental contact requires immediate and abundant rinsing. This plant is toxic by ingestion and must under no circumstances be consumed in any form whatsoever. Contains phorbol esters with irritant properties and potentially tumor-promoting effects; its traditional external use should only be considered after consultation with a qualified professional. Handling reserved for experienced persons, must be kept absolutely out of reach of children and pets.
Resinous powder — Dried latex (euphorbium)
Dried resin for occasional external use
The latex is collected by incision of the stem, then sun-dried until it hardens into resinous tears. Traditionally ground into fine powder, it was applied only in minute quantities and in a very localized manner, never over a large skin surface. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Ointment — Dried latex
Traditional rubefacient ointment
The powdered resin was incorporated at low dose into a fatty base (wax, animal fat) to obtain an ointment for external use, applied sparingly to a circumscribed area. This preparation requires specific expertise and is not recommended outside a supervised context. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.
Where to find it
Sourcing the plant
This spurge grows wild on the rocky slopes of the Moroccan High Atlas; it is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental succulent plant, with its genuine resin remaining rare and reserved for specialized uses.
Harvest season
When to harvest it
The latex is traditionally harvested in late spring or summer, when sap circulates abundantly in the fleshy stems.
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