Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa)
Photo: Photo by and (c)2008 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man ). Co-attribution must be given to the Chanticleer Garden. · CC BY-SA 3.0
- General
- 3 conditions
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Overview
Pleurisy root is an upright perennial herb growing to 3 feet tall, featuring narrow lance-shaped leaves and spikes of orange or yellow five-petaled flowers. Native to the southern United States, this plant was considered a cure-all in North American herbal medicine. Native American tribes, including the Omaha, used the raw root for bronchitis and chest conditions, while many tribes regarded it as an effective remedy for hot, dry fevers. The root is harvested in spring.
Traditional uses & properties
The herb's most specific use is relieving the pain and inflammation associated with pleurisy. Pleurisy root is beneficial for hot, dry, and tight conditions in the chest. It promotes expectoration of phlegm, reduces inflammation in the respiratory system, and helps lower fevers by stimulating perspiration. The root acts as a diaphoretic by relaxing peripheral capillaries and increasing perspiration. It also provides anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and expectorant actions. Additionally, it can be used to treat chronic diarrhea and dysentery. The herb demonstrates estrogenic properties.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Cold infusion: 1-4 ounces 3 times daily. Tincture (dried root 1:5 in 50% alcohol): 5 drops to 1 ml (0.2 tsp) up to 4 times daily.
Safety & precautions
Do not take during pregnancy. Excessive doses may cause vomiting. Not recommended for use during pregnancy. Use appropriate dosing to avoid adverse effects.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to the southern United States. The root is harvested in spring.
Traditionally used for
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Frequently asked questions
What is Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) as follows: The herb's most specific use is relieving the pain and inflammation associated with pleurisy. Pleurisy root is beneficial for hot, dry, and tight conditions in the chest. It promotes expectoration of phlegm, reduces inflammation in the respiratory system, and helps lower fevers by stimulating perspiration. The root acts as a diaphoretic by relaxing peripheral capillaries and increasing perspiration. It also provides anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and expectorant actions. Additionally, it can be used to treat chronic diarrhea and dysentery. The herb demonstrates estrogenic properties.
How is Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Cold infusion: 1-4 ounces 3 times daily. Tincture (dried root 1:5 in 50% alcohol): 5 drops to 1 ml (0.2 tsp) up to 4 times daily.
What safety cautions apply to Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa)?
Do not take during pregnancy. Excessive doses may cause vomiting. Not recommended for use during pregnancy. Use appropriate dosing to avoid adverse effects.
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