Pleurisy Root
Appearance and Location
Pleurisy Root, also known as “Butterfly Weed” or “Orange Milkweed,” is a herbaceous perennial in the milkweed (Asclepiadaceae) family. It’s scientifically called Asclepias tuberosa. Moreover, the Asclepiadaceae family consists of 348 genera, with about 2,900 species.
Meaning of Name
The botanical name “Asclepias” is named after the Greek god of medicine Asklepios. The species name tuberose refers to the plant’s tuberous (knobby and with swellings) roots. Additionally, during colonial America, the dried leaves of Butterfly Weed, along with skunk cabbage, were brewed into a tea that was used to treat chest inflammations. As a result, butterfly weed earned the alternative name of “Pleurisy Root.”
Natural Habitat
Pleurisy Root is commonly found in dry open habitats, especially in the prairies and grasslands of the Midwest and Great Plains. This bright orange plant has straight, densely hairy stems that grow 1-2 feet high. Its leaves are simple, arranged alternately, and it lacks the thick milky sap of other milkweed species. Unlike other milkweed species, Pleurisy Root lacks the characteristic thick, milky sap; instead, it has a watery and translucent sap. The inflorescence is slightly rounded or flat and made up of many flowers. Each flower has five downward-pointing petals and a crown of five erect hoods. The fruit is a pod that contains numerous brown seeds, each adorned with a tuft of silky white hairs. Although the Pleurisy Root is typically used the most for its medicinal benefits, several Indigenous tribes also utilized various parts of the plant for different purposes, including as a food source.
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Are you ready to explore natural solutions for your health? Whether it’s Pleurisy Root or other powerful herbal remedies, we’re here to guide you on your journey to pain relief and optimal well-being! Book a FREE discovery video meeting today!
Functions and Properties of Pleurisy Root Throughout History
Indigenous culture has valued Pleurisy Root for hundreds of years. They used the roots to treat typhoid, pneumonia, congestion, dysentery, colic, eczema, and hysteria. However, each tribe had specific uses for Pleurisy Root.
Different Tribe Uses
The Natchez people brewed a tea using boiled Pleurisy Root to treat pneumonia and believed it to be effective for hot, dry fevers.
Similarly, the Omaha tribe exclusively allowed members of the Shell society to dig and distribute the roots. They consumed the roots raw to relieve bronchitis and chest ailments.
The Menominee tribe used powdered root for cuts, bruises, and wounds. They either applied it directly or blew the dried, pulverized root into wounds.
The Cheyenne tribe made tea from the plant for snowblindness and eye issues, applying it with cloths. They also used chewed root for rashes, sores, diaper rash, and teething discomfort in babies.
The Mesquakie tribe employed the root to expel tapeworms, while some species served as contraceptives.
In Mexico, Asclepias is known as “immortal” because it can regrow from the root indefinitely. It was a common remedy for pleurisy and chest congestion.
The Aztec Herbal of 1552 endorsed the pleurisy root as a purgative, laxative, and treatment for chest congestion, and its usage for these purposes persists to this day.
European American Uses
Additionally, European Americans used Pleurisy Root for its medicinal properties, often to reduce lung and thorax inflammation and to relieve bronchial and pulmonary issues. Pleurisy Root stimulated the vagus nerve, promoting perspiration, expectoration, and bronchial dilation. As its name suggests, it proved effective in treating pleurisy and mild pulmonary edema by enhancing fluid circulation and lymphatic drainage. The root of Butterfly Milkweed, from which Pleurisy Root is derived, was an official listing in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1905 and in the National Formulary from 1916 to 1936.
Other Uses
Butterfly Weed has been used for various purposes throughout the United States and Southern Canada. This versatile plant provides durable fibers that are useful for making cords, ropes, and cloth.
Harvesting Fibers:
The stalks of Butterfly Weed are gathered after they wither in late fall to early winter.
These stalks are then split open to release the fibers.
Sometimes, milkweed fibers are mixed with Indian-hemp fibers.
To extract the fibers, the bark is removed, and the fibers are rubbed and twisted together to form a cord.
Historical and Cultural Uses:
In the Pueblo region, ancient textiles made from Butterfly Weed fibers have been discovered.
The Pueblo people included green pods and uncooked roots of certain milkweed species in their diets.
The Tewa-speaking people of the Rio Grande continue to make string and rope from Butterfly Weed fibers.
The Zuni Pueblo use fibers from Butterfly Weed seeds to create luxurious yarn and fabric for dancers’ attire.
Remember:
Join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
The Naturopathic Herbalist | American Botanical Council – Herbalgram | USDA – Forest Service | Unacademy | Healthline | USDA Plant Guide | Herbal Encylopedia
Appearance and Location
Appearance and Location
Pleurisy Root, also known as “Butterfly Weed” or “Orange Milkweed,” is a herbaceous perennial in the milkweed (Asclepiadaceae) family. It’s scientifically called Asclepias tuberosa. Moreover, the Asclepiadaceae family consists of 348 genera, with about 2,900 species.
Meaning of Name
The botanical name “Asclepias” is named after the Greek god of medicine Asklepios. The species name tuberose refers to the plant’s tuberous (knobby and with swellings) roots. Additionally, dried Butterfly Weed leaves and skunk cabbage were brewed into tea to treat chest inflammations. As a result, this earned Butterfly Weed the name “Pleurisy Root“.
Natural Habitat
Pleurisy Root is commonly found in dry open habitats, especially in the prairies and grasslands of the Midwest and Great Plains. This bright orange plant has straight, densely hairy stems that grow 1-2 feet high. Its leaves are simple, arranged alternately, and it lacks the thick milky sap of other milkweed species. Unlike other milkweed species, Pleurisy Root lacks the characteristic thick milky sap, instead having a watery and translucent sap. The inflorescence is slightly rounded or flat and is composed of numerous individual flowers. Each flower consists of five downward-pointing petals and a crown of five erect hoods. The fruit is a pod containing brown seeds, each with silky white hairs. While the root is mainly used for its medicinal benefits, various parts of the plant were also used by Indigenous tribes as a food source.
Pleurisy Root, also known as “Butterfly Weed” or “Orange Milkweed,” is a herbaceous perennial in the milkweed (Asclepiadaceae) family. It’s scientifically called Asclepias tuberosa. the Asclepiadaceae family consists of 348 genera, with about 2,900 species.
Meaning of Name
The botanical name “Asclepias” is named after the Greek god of medicine Asklepios. The species name tuberose refers to the plant’s tuberous (knobby and with swellings) roots. Additionally, dried Butterfly Weed leaves and skunk cabbage were brewed into tea to treat chest inflammations. As a result, this earned Butterfly Weed the name “Pleurisy Root“.
Natural Habitat
Pleurisy Root is commonly found in dry open habitats, especially in the prairies and grasslands of the Midwest and Great Plains. This bright orange plant has straight, densely hairy stems that grow 1-2 feet high. Its leaves are simple, arranged alternately, and it lacks the thick milky sap of other milkweed species. Unlike other milkweed species, Pleurisy Root lacks the characteristic thick, milky sap; instead, it has a watery and translucent sap. The inflorescence is slightly rounded or flat and made up of many flowers. Each flower has five downward-pointing petals and a crown of five erect hoods. The fruit is a pod that contains numerous brown seeds, each adorned with a tuft of silky white hairs. Although the Pleurisy Root is typically used the most for its medicinal benefits, several Indigenous tribes also utilized various parts of the plant for different purposes, including as a food source.
📞 Schedule Your Free Discovery Call Today
Are you ready to explore natural solutions for your health? Whether it’s Pleurisy Root or other powerful herbal remedies, we’re here to guide you on your journey to pain relief and optimal well-being! Book a FREE discovery video meeting today!
Functions and Properties
Throughout History
Functions and Properties Throughout History
Indigenous culture has valued Pleurisy Root for hundreds of years. They used the roots to treat typhoid, pneumonia, congestion, dysentery, colic, eczema, and hysteria. However, each tribe had specific uses for Pleurisy Root.
Different Tribe Uses
The Natchez people brewed a tea using boiled Pleurisy Root to treat pneumonia and believed it to be effective for hot, dry fevers.
Similarly, the Omaha tribe exclusively allowed members of the Shell society to dig and distribute the roots. They consumed the roots raw to relieve bronchitis and chest ailments.
The Menominee tribe used powdered root for cuts, bruises, and wounds. They either applied it directly or blew the dried, pulverized root into wounds.
The Cheyenne tribe made tea from the plant for snowblindness and eye issues, applying it with cloths. They also used chewed root for rashes, sores, diaper rash, and teething discomfort in babies.
The Mesquakie tribe employed the root to expel tapeworms, while some species served as contraceptives.
In Mexico, Asclepias is known as “immortal” because it can regrow from the root indefinitely. It was a common remedy for pleurisy and chest congestion.
The Aztec Herbal of 1552 endorsed the pleurisy root as a purgative, laxative, and treatment for chest congestion, and its usage for these purposes persists to this day.
European American Uses
Additionally, European Americans used Pleurisy Root for its medicinal properties, often to reduce lung and thorax inflammation and to relieve bronchial and pulmonary issues. Pleurisy Root stimulated the vagus nerve, promoting perspiration, expectoration, and bronchial dilation. As its name suggests, it proved effective in treating pleurisy and mild pulmonary edema by enhancing fluid circulation and lymphatic drainage. The root of Butterfly Milkweed, from which Pleurisy Root is derived, was an official listing in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1905 and in the National Formulary from 1916 to 1936.
Other Uses
Butterfly Weed has been used for various purposes throughout the United States and Southern Canada. This versatile plant provides durable fibers that are useful for making cords, ropes, and cloth.
Harvesting Fibers:
The stalks of Butterfly Weed are gathered after they wither in late fall to early winter.
These stalks are then split open to release the fibers.
Sometimes, milkweed fibers are mixed with Indian-hemp fibers.
To extract the fibers, the bark is removed, and the fibers are rubbed and twisted together to form a cord.
Historical and Cultural Uses:
In the Pueblo region, ancient textiles made from Butterfly Weed fibers have been discovered.
The Pueblo people included green pods and uncooked roots of certain milkweed species in their diets.
The Tewa-speaking people of the Rio Grande continue to make string and rope from Butterfly Weed fibers.
The Zuni Pueblo use fibers from Butterfly Weed seeds to create luxurious yarn and fabric for dancers’ attire.
Remember:
Join us each month as we explore the history, personality, clinical application, and more of Nancy’s favorite plants. Get a snippet of the properties and practical uses of these herbs and how they supported the health of our ancestors as well as how they can support us in our present day.
Resources:
The Naturopathic Herbalist | American Botanical Council – Herbalgram | USDA – Forest Service | Unacademy | Healthline | USDA Plant Guide | Herbal Encylopedia