Can I eat euphorbia sap? | EatWeirdThings.com

Can I eat euphorbia sap?

Quick Answer

No

Euphorbia sap is toxic and can cause severe irritation and harm if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin or eyes.

Illustration of moldy bread

What Is It?

Euphorbia is a large genus of plants, often known as spurge, that includes over 2000 species. Many of them produce a white sap, or latex, that is toxic and can cause severe irritation.

Why It Can Be Risky

Eating or coming into contact with euphorbia sap poses several risks:

  • Skin irritation or dermatitis
  • Eye irritation or even blindness
  • Ingesting the sap can cause severe gastrointestinal upset
  • In rare cases, ingestion can lead to more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing or even coma