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.
Uses & Effectiveness
We currently have no information for POINSETTIA overview.
Side Effects
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.
Special Precautions and Warnings
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.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Poinsettia is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for POINSETTIA overview.
Dosing
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.
Aljohani ASM, Alhumaydhi FA, Rauf A, Hamad EM, Rashid U. In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Sedative, Muscle Relaxant Activities and Molecular Docking Analysis of Phytochemicals from Euphorbia pulcherrima. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2022;2022:7495867. View abstract.
Evens ZN, Stellpflug SJ. Holiday plants with toxic misconceptions. West J Emerg Med. 2012;13(6):538-542. View abstract.
Krenzelok EP, Jacobsen TD, Aronis JM. Poinsettia exposures have good outcomes...just as we thought. Am J Emerg Med 1996;14:671-4. View abstract.
Petersen DD. Common plant toxicology: a comparison of national and southwest Ohio data trends on plant poisonings in the 21st century. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2011;254(2):148-53. View abstract.
Singh KK, Rauniar GP, Sangraula H. Experimental study of neuropharmacological profile of Euphorbia pulcherrima in mice and rats. J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2012;3(3):311-9. doi: 10.4103/0976-3147.102612. View abstract.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.