Apocynaceae
Pleurisy Root
Asclepias tuberosa
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Eastern North America
Also known as: Butterfly Weed, Orange Milkweed, Chigger Flower, Indian Paintbrush
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Pleurisy (inflammation of pleura — classic indication), bronchitis, pneumonia (adjunct), dry pleuritic cough, chest infections with sharp pain on breathing. Specific herb for pleural inflammation.
Herbal Actions
Expectorant, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic (pulmonary)
Active Constituents
Cardenolides (glycosides similar to cardiac glycosides — trace), flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol), resins, volatile oil, amino acids
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.5–1 tsp dried root per 250ml, simmer 15 min, 3x daily — low dose herb |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily — low dose herb |
| Notes | Do not confuse with Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed — more toxic). Low dose herb — respect dosing. Fresh plant tincture preferred. Best combined with elecampane for deep lung infections. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (cardiac glycoside content). Avoid in heart disease (cardiac glycoside-like constituents). Low dose only.
Side Effects: Nausea, vomiting at high doses. Cardiac effects at excess doses. Generally safe at low therapeutic doses.