Pleurisy Root
Bulk Herbs: Pleurisy Root
Asclepias tuberosa
Size: 1 oz package
Format: Cut
Plant Part: Root
Farming: N/A
Also known as: chigger flower, silkweed, butterfly weed, butterfly milkweed, orange milkweed, Canada root, wind root, or swallow wort
Origin: USA
Pleurisy, also known as chigger flower and silkweed, is a species of milkweed distributed throughout the woodlands of eastern North America. Because the plant's fragrant and colorful flower clusters serve as food for various species of butterfly larvae, the herb is commonly called butterfly weed. Early European settlers learned how to use the plant from the Menominee, Cheyenne, and other Native American tribes, who harvested not only the leaf but also the long, white, fleshy taproot.
Pleurisy root is traditionally decocted to produce teas, infusions, and tonics, sometimes in combination with other herbs. Pleurisy root is also used to produce tinctures and extracts.
Active Compounds: cardenolide type (afroside, asclepin, asclepiadin, calactin, calotropin, gomphoside, syriogenin, syrioside, uscharidin, uscharin, and uzarigenin), Flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, and isorhamnetin), Amino acids (choline), Phenolic acids (caffeic & chlorogenic acid), Carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), Triterpenes (a-amyrin and bamyrin, lupeol, friedelin, viburnitol) and Volatile oils
Actions: Antispasmodic, Cardiotonic, Carminative, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Laxative, Expectorant, Nervine relaxant, Vasodilator
Indications: As indicated by the name, pleurisy root is one of the best remedies for pleurisy. Pleurisy is the inflammation of the membranes surrounding the lungs (pleura) caused by viral or bacterial infection. The pleura rub against each other, causing sharp chest pain that is exacerbated by movement or coughing. Pleurisy root is, however, a valuable remedy for most ailments of the lungs as it will help expectoration of mucus, soothe inflammation and irritation, and act as a tonic for lung tissues. It is a useful herb for pleurisy, bronchitis, pneumonia, and influenza. The antispasmodic action is helpful in asthma, emphysema, and dry, spasmodic coughs.
The diaphoretic action is particularly useful for reducing fever by promoting blood flow to the skin and facilitating heat loss through sweating. The antispasmodic and carminative actions apply to the digestive system, relieving colic, trapped wind, and flatulence, and soothing any irritation of the gut lining that causes indigestion.
Precautions: Do not take while pregnant, long-term use is not recommended. It can cause dermatitis. Large doses may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cannot be taken with cardiac glycosides or any heart-related medications. Possibly unsafe when taken internally as it contains Lanoxin, which can cause heart problems. It can also stimulate the uterus and act as estrogen in the body. It can interfere with diuretics.
Herbal Magick: It is a potent folk magick herb traditionally used for protection, healing, and fostering connection with nature spirits, particularly butterflies. Renowned in Appalachian and Native American folk medicine for treating lung issues, it is considered a "living prayer" plant that aids in deep healing and clearing, acting as a fiery, yet gentle, diaphoretic to break fevers and promote breathing.
The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated this information. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; it is for educational purposes only.