Pleurisy Root

Asclepias tuberosa

Butterfly Weed Canada Root Pleurisy Root Silkweed Tuber Root Wind Root Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Collection and harvesting Combinations

Pleurisy root - a perennial herb with several stems, growing to 3 feet and branching at the top. Leaves with dark green upper surfaces and pale green undersides grow alternately from the stems and are shaped like spear points. Richly colored orange flowers (June-September) bloom in clusters 3-5 inches across and are followed by long (4- to 5-inch) narrow pods that open to release silky hairs that carry the seeds about on the wind. A large, deep, tuberous root acts as a storage tank in dry spells.

Those brilliant splashes of pumpkin-orange color in fields and along roadsides during the heat of midsummer are not mirages: they are members of the milkweed family, generally known as pleurisy root. The name is an apt one, because monarchs, swallowtails, and other butterflies are especially attracted to the plant when it is in flower.

Pleurisy root favors open, dry fields and can be abundant, particularly in the southern United States. Like all other milkweeds, pleurisy root produces pods, which open in autumn to reveal rows of silky seeds that drift with the wind. Unlike most milkweeds, however, this species does not have a milky sap.

Pleurisy root is a native of North America. Pleurisy root was long in use by Indians and pioneers. Powdered and mixed into a paste, the root  was spread on sores. The Indians of several regions brewed a tea from the leaves to induce vomiting in certain rituals. Both settlers and Indians made a tea from the root to induce perspiration and expectoration in severe respiratory ailments, including pleurisy, whooping cough, and pneumonia. Stronger doses were given as an emetic and purgative. In the 19th century the U.S. Pharmacopeia listed pleurisy root.

PARTS USED

Root, rhizome.

USES

Although its most specific usage is relieving the pain and inflammation of pleurisy, pleurisy root has other applications. Pleurisy root is useful for hot, dry, and tight conditions in the chest. Pleurisy root promotes the coughing up of phlegm, reduces inflammation, and helps reduce fevers by stimulating perspiration. The root is also taken for chronic diarrhea and dysentery.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Pleurisy root is native to the southern US. The root is unearthed in spring.

CONSTITUENTS

Pleurisy root contains cardenolides and flavonoids. It is estrogenic.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1/2-1 teaspoonful of the herb and let infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 1- 2ml of the tincture three times a day.

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING

The rhizome of pleurisy root should be unearthed in March or April. Clean well and split up. Dry in shade or sun.

COMBINATIONS

Pleurisy root will combine well with cayenne, lobelia and grindelia in the treatment of respiratory congestion.