PLEURISY ROOT (Asclepias tuberosa)

DESCRIPTION: Also known as butterfly weed this root attracts many butterflies and is a milkweed native to eastern North America. This perennial grows to 0.3–1 metre (1 ft 0 in–3 ft 3 in) tall, with clustered orange or yellow flowers from early summer to early fall. This plant favors dry, sand or gravel soil, but has also been reported on stream margins. It requires full sun. This plant is named for it’s medicinal qualities in treating pleurisy, which is the inflammation of the tissue layers lining the lungs and inner chest wall.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: For the treatment of pleurisy and other respiratory ailments with specific action on the lungs, assisting in expectoration, subduing inflammation and exerting a general mild tonic effect on the system, and valuable for chest complaints and ailments. Also used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and acute and chronic rheumatism.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Use in moderation since large doses are emetic and purgative. Also contains alkaloids that may be toxic to livestock and not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and children.

PARTS USED: Rootstock

GENERAL USAGE: Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, carminative and mildly cathartic.

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