MILKWEED

MILKWEED

LATIN NAME: ASCLEPIAS CURASSAVICA

HOMELAND: LATIN AMERICA

Protector of Butterflies

Neither in ancient Greek myths nor in traditional European witchcraft traditions is the Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, directly mentioned by name — yet it bears the name of the Greek god of healing, Asclepius (Asklepios), because its milky, poisonous sap has been used for centuries as both medicine and poison.

The plant's history begins with 16th–17th century Spanish colonization: Indigenous peoples of Mexico and Brazil applied its leaves and roots to warts, corns, fungal infections, and wounds, using the “deadly milk” to cleanse. In Costa Rica, it is still called “butterfly medicine,” as the white sap that flows when broken is toxic, yet some communities have used it as a vermifuge (worm-killer), laxative, and even contraceptive. In Ayurvedic tradition (later introduced to India), it serves as a purgative for stomach tumors, parasites, and gonorrhea. In Jamaica, boiled roots treat dysentery, ringworm, and eye infections — but overdose turns it into a vomiting and heart-stopping poison.

Native American tribes (recorded in the 1880s) used it as a snakebite remedy and contraceptive. In Brazil, it was known more as a poison, sometimes used against animals. Overall, the milkweed family contains cardiac glycosides (cardenolides) similar to digitalis: nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, even death.

Modern Witchcraft and Magical Uses

The Milkweed had little place in traditional European witchcraft because it is a New World plant. But in late 20th and early 21st-century eclectic pagan/witch communities, the milkweed family's general “protection + poison” energy has been linked to it. Some modern sources associate milkweed (especially common varieties) with the moon element, lunar magic, protection, toxic curses, and “poisonous love” rituals — the Blood Flower’s intense red-orange flowers and toxic sap are seen as carrying this energy even more powerfully.

Protection / Curse: The poisonous sap is symbolically used in rituals to “burn” negative energy or return it to an enemy (never physical ingestion!).

Healing / Transformation: Just as monarch caterpillars eat the plant, absorb its toxins, and become protected from predators, some spells view it as a symbol of “turning poison into healing.”

Love / Binding: Its blood-red flowers lead some eclectic witches to use it as an alternative in passionate love attraction or “toxic binding” (obsessive relationship) rituals — though the danger is always emphasized.

These uses remain niche and controversial; most pagan communities avoid it due to the poisoning risk.

Its Controversial Place Today;


The Mİlkweed Flower is one of the most popular “butterfly weeds” in gardening: Its bright red-orange flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. It is especially the favorite host for monarch butterfly larvae — becoming a staple in butterfly gardens across the US and Europe. But here comes the curse: As a tropical species, it blooms year-round and creates non-migrating monarch populations. This spreads the parasite Ophryocystis elektroscirrha (OE), leading to shorter lifespans, weakened flight, reduced reproduction. Some states (like California) have declared it a noxious weed, banning or restricting sales. Environmental groups urge: “Prefer native milkweed species (Asclepias tuberosa, incarnata, etc.)” because they support migration without disruption.

Still, many gardeners and butterfly enthusiasts defend it: “If no natives are available, tropical is better.” Birds use the seed floss for nests, and it provides nectar for pollinators.

Warning: All parts are poisonous — risk of cardiac poisoning for humans, dogs, cats, horses. Keep away from children and pets! The sap can irritate eyes when the stem breaks.