- Botanical Name(s): Asclepias tuberosa
- Popular Name(s): Butterfly-weed, Swallow-wort, Tuber Root, Wind Root, Orange Milkweed
- Parts Used: Root
- Habitat: Pleurisy Root is found in North America.
- Description: Pleurisy Root is a perennial plant which grows to a height of 1 -2 feet. The leaves are spirally arranged, lanceolate with a length of 5-12 cm and breadth of 2-3 cm. The plant bears clustered orange or yellow flowers. The rootstock is spindle-shaped, has a knotty crown and is slightly but distinctly annulated.
Uses: Pleurisy Root has antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant and carminative properties. It possesses a specific action on the lungs and is effective in all chest complaints. It mitigates the pain and relieves the difficulty of breathing. It is used to cure diarrhoea, dysentery and acute and chronic rheumatism.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. 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.
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