Pleurisy Root
Parts Usually Used
The root, dried
Description of Plant(s) and Culture
Pleurisy root is a native North American perennial plant; The fleshy, white, tuber-like, root produces several stout, erect, round, hairy stems (without milky juice) from 1-3 feet high. The alternate, sessile, with watery sap, leaves are lanceolate to oblong, a darker green above than beneath. Bright orange flowers, stamens forming a structure like a crown, grow in terminal, flat-topped, 2-inch, umbels from June to September, later producing long, edible seed pods that are spindle-shaped.
Full sun. Zones 3-10. Heat tolerant. The plant has a nauseous, bitter taste when fresh, but better when dried.
Where Found
Found in dry fields, woods, meadows, prairies, on roadsides, and sandy soils along the east coast and westward to Minnesota, Arizona, and northern Mexico.
Medicinal Properties
Carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, antispasmodic, relaxant, tonic
Biochemical Information
Ascepin is the active principle, asclepiadine, asclepione, cardeno liedes, traces of essential oil, resin, sterol
Legends, Myths and Stories
One species in the Far East was possibly used as a hallucinogen, which is known in the Hindu religion as “Soma”. As the name suggests, this herb is used for upper respiratory and lung problems.
Uses
In the late nineteenth century, herbalists widely utilized the plant as an expectorant, and historical herbals recommended it for colds, suppressed menses, headaches, bronchial complaints, pleurisy, and asthma. Practitioners believed it promoted sweating to reduce fevers, and it was sometimes administered alongside cayenne at the onset of a cold. Native American traditions involved chewing the dried root or boiling it into a tea for respiratory complaints, diarrhea, and digestive upset.
Additionally, external poultices made from the root were traditionally applied to bruises, swellings, and rheumatic joints.
Warning
Animals have been poisoned by feeding on the leaves and stems. The fresh root may also produce undesirable symptoms. For humans, potentially toxic in large doses. The fresh root can be dangerous. Use only commercial preparations.
Bibliography
The Herb Book , by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974. , Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020 Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants , by Steven Foster and James A. , Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. , Copyright 1988, published 1992 Indian Herbalogy of North America , by Alma R. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023 An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants , by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, Crescent Books (January 27, 1992).
The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine , by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988. The Rodale Herb Book: How to Use, Grow, and Buy Nature’s Miracle Plants (An Organic gardening and farming book) , edited by William H. Hylton, Rodale Press, Inc. , 1974