Pleurisy Root and Powder Profile
Also known as- Asclepius tuberosa, Canada-root, Chiggerflower, Indian Posy, Orange-root, Orange Swallowwort, Tuberroot, Whiteroot, Windroot, and Yellow or Orange milkweed.
Introduction
Pleurisy weed is better known in parts of the country as butterfly weed. The plant is a variety of milkweed native to eastern North America. It's a popular plant in country gardens, and is known to attract butterflies, particularly monarchs. It has been used medicinally by a number of Native American tribes for centuries. Much of the plant is edible, including the young shoots, flower buds and stems. The milkweed fibers can be used to make fabric or rope. Various parts of the butterfly weed have been used to treat sore throat and cough, pleurisy and other bronchial and pulmonary problems, to treat diarrhea and to help encourage milk production in mothers. It has been used as an emetic, an antitoxin and a contraceptive. At least one tribe of Native Americans considered it their most important medicine.
Pleurisy weed does have a darker side, however. The alkaloids it contains include some that can be toxic in the mature plant. It is considered toxic to livestock, and not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children.
Constituents
Resinoids, glycosides, and a small amount of alkaloids.
Parts Used
Root and sometimes the leaves and plant
Typical Preparations
In tea infusions, as an extract and very seldom in capsules.
Summary
Chemicals that occur naturally in pleurisy root can reduce the thickness of mucus in the lungs and encourage coughing, which can relieve the pain and congestion associated with pleurisy and other lung problems. In addition, other constituents mimic the action of estrogen in the body, which has made concoctions of pleurisy weed useful in treating menstrual problems, specifically in bringing on delayed menstruation, or for use as an abortifacient.
Precautions
Pleurisy weed products should not be used by pregnant women because of the danger of miscarriage. In addition, pleurisy weed has a similar effect on the heart to digoxin, and should be avoided by those with heart problems, or those who are taking any heart stimulant medications. Pleurisy root may interact with a number of other drugs and herbs, so it's important to consult your health practitioner if you intend to use pleurisy for medicinal purposes. It use is not recommended by those with pre-existing liver conditions. May cause gastro-intestinal upset.
