Pleurisy
Root, also known as Butterfly Weed, Canada Root, Silkweed, Swallow Wort,
Tuber Root, Wind Root, Colic Root, and Orange Milkweed, is native to North
America. It is a member of the milkweed family, but does not produce the milky
juice commonly seen in its kin. Pleurisy Root usually grow to about a foot in
height, and every summer it produces deep yellow and orange flowers. Pleurisy
Root gets its name from its use as a treatment for pleurisy by the Native
Americans. Medicinally, only the root is used. The root is gray-brown and
spindle-shaped with a knotty crown. Pleurisy Root was used by the Native
American tribes and by settlers for a variety of lung ailments and as a topical
treatment for warts and sores. In the 19th century, Pleurisy Root was an
official medicine listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia, and was used in the
treatment of colds, flu, bronchial and pulmonary conditions. It was also used to
treat diarrhea, dysentery, rheumatism, eczema, colic, and flatulence. Pleurisy
Root contains glycosides, such as asclepiadin, volatile oil, essential oil,
resins, amino acids, and flavonoids, such as
Rutin
and
Quercetin.
Today, Butterfly Weed is most often used to support treatment for bronchitis,
and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-spasmodic,
diaphoretic, and carminative properties. It is often used in conjunction with
Capsicum,
Cayenne,
and
Lobelia
in the treatment of pulmonary infections.
