Is Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) Poisonous? Can It Be Kept Indoors?

Crown of Thorns, also called Euphorbia milii, is a sprawling shrub in the Euphorbiaceae family, with hard, sharp thorns on its stems, small flowers, a long blooming period, and vivid flower colors, so many people want to grow one. So, is Crown of Thorns poisonous? Can it be kept indoors?

1. Is Crown of Thorns poisonous?

Crown of Thorns is poisonous.

1. The whole Crown of Thorns plant is poisonous, because it is a plant in the Euphorbiaceae family, and this family is basically all poisonous. When a wound appears on its branches or stems, a white sap flows from the wound, and this sap contains toxins, with strong toxicity. It has an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes, and accidental ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, etc. If it gets into the eyes, severe cases can cause blindness.

2. Although Crown of Thorns is poisonous, it has a protective effect on the home. It can remove harmful gases from the home, and especially has clear resistance to sulfur dioxide, hydrogen fluoride, nitric acid mist, and phosgene; it can absorb smoke and dust and clear the turbidity from the air; it can also neutralize negative energy, as its stems or flowers and leaves have thorns, and thorns can deflect external negative energy, so it is an excellent plant for neutralizing negative energy.

3. Although Crown of Thorns is poisonous, its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and milky sap can all be used as medicine. It is bitter in taste and cool in nature, and has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, stopping diarrhea, drawing out toxins and reducing fire, cooling blood and stopping bleeding, promoting water passage, and discharging pus. It is used for carbuncles, hepatitis, edema, uterine bleeding, toxic swelling, bruises, and other conditions; its stem thorns can secrete a toxic sticky fluid that can trap mosquitoes and flies.

2. Can Crown of Thorns be kept indoors?

Crown of Thorns can be kept indoors.

1. Crown of Thorns has strong ornamental value and is pleasing to look at. Keeping it indoors and looking at it every day makes people fall in love with it, and when paired with other plants or furniture, it has the effect of beautifying the home environment. It can also regulate mood, relieve stress, increase vitality, cultivate our character, and improve our temperament; not only that, it can also purify the air and release the oxygen humans need, making indoor air fresher.

2. Crown of Thorns has certain requirements for the surrounding growing environment, and is best suited to a place with ventilation and air flow. It is generally planted more often in courtyards and on balconies. If the indoor space is large or well ventilated, keeping one pot is still possible. If the space is not large, it can be kept during the day, but at night it is best to move it outside. Also, this plant is not 100 percent safe for people, so it can be left unplanted indoors.

3. Crown of Thorns is a poisonous plant with thorns. If there are elderly people, children, or pets in the home, place it somewhere out of reach. If that cannot be done, do not keep it at home. Its sap is poisonous, so wear gloves when caring for it, do not let the sap touch the skin or wounds, and do not casually eat or touch the plant tissues. After contact, carefully wash the contacted area to prevent toxic substances from remaining. If poisoning occurs, seek medical attention promptly.

Summary: Crown of Thorns is poisonous. When a wound appears on its branches or stems, a white sap flows out, and this sap contains toxins. It has an irritating effect on the skin and mucous membranes, and accidental ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, etc. If it gets into the eyes, severe cases can cause blindness; if there are elderly people, children, or pets in the home, place it somewhere out of reach. If that cannot be done, do not keep it at home, to avoid poisoning.