Blood flower botanically called Asclepias curassavica, and commonly called Tropical milkweed, cotton bush, Mexican butterfly weed, redhead, is a garden plant that is a source of food for the butterflies. This might sound surprising, but this is not just a plant but a herb with loads of health benefits.
Blood flower has plenty of health benefits. One should be cautious when using this plant because its stems and leaves release a poisonous milky sap, which can potentially damage your eyes, which may lead to blindness. It has a bitter taste and a pungent smell.
These plants are very prone to harmful milkweed bugs, aphids, spider, and mites, though they do not usually cause significant damage. Most other insects cannot tolerate the toxicity of the leaves.
While the plants are poisonous, the flowers provide food for a number of different insect species which feed on the nectar. Hummingbirds are frequent visitors to it as well.
Blood Flower Herb Health Benefit
- It acts against all forms of pains.
- It is most effective in the treatment of ringworm.
- This herb cures skin ulcers.
- The plant bulb medicinally treats dropsy and scabies.
- In China, it is used regularly in the treatment of fever, to improve blood circulation, and as well, can be used in any part of the world.
- Plant leaves are dried and made into a decoction as a cardiac tonic, for bronchitis and pneumonia as well as for urethritis, and both internal and external bleeding.
- Stimulates the central nervous system as well as Refining blood circulation.
- The bulb treats coughs, gastrointestinal problems, and ensures safe delivery during pregnancy.
- It helps fight Jaundice in children.
Blood Flower Herb Prescription
As a pregnant or nursing mother, Blood flower herb is not advisory without consulting a health care provider or doctor because of its toxicity.