Pleurisy Root

History and Uses:
Pleurisy Rootis native to North America, usually growing to about a foot in height, and every summer it produces deep yellow and orange flowers. Pleurisy Root received its name because of 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 both Native American tribes and settlers alike for a variety of lung ailments and as a topical treatment for warts and sores. In the nineteenth 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, Pleurisy Root is most often used to support treatment for bronchitis, and it has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and carminative properties.