Pleurisy Root
Asclepias tuberosa L.
“The root is medicinal, it is antispasmodic, carminative, mildly cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, tonic and vasodilator. Butterfly Weed Root is used internally in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, chronic rheumatism, and as an expectorant. It has a specific action on the lungs, making it a valuable medicinal herb in all chest complaints and in the treatment of many lung diseases. A warm infusion of the root exerts a mild tonic effect on the system.. A medicinal poultice of the roots is used in the treatment of swellings, bruises, wounds, and skin ulcers.
“Caution is advised, as large doses of Butterfly Weed are emetic and purgative."”
- https://altnature.com/gallery/butterflyweed.htm
“Orally, pleurisy root is used for coughs, pleurisy, uterine disorders, to ease breathing, as an analgesic, expectorant, antispasmodic, and to promote sweating. It is also used orally for bronchitis, pneumonitis, influenza, and swine flu. POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when the root is used orally because it contains digitalis-like cardenolide glycosides. It can cause vomiting. Canadian regulations do not allow pleurisy root as a non-medicinal ingredient for oral use products.”
- http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=NONMP&s=ND&pt=100&id=469&ds=`
a.k.a.
butterfly weed, Canada root, flux root, orange milk-weed, swallow-wort, white root, wind root
