Pleurisy (A.K.A. Butterfly Weed)
(Asclepias tuberosa)
Energetics: Cooling.
Taste: Bitter. Acrid.
Tissue States: Hot & Dry.
Systems Affected: Lungs. Bronchioles.
Parts Used: Root
Key Components: Glycosides (asclepiadin). May also contain cardioactive glycosides. Volatile oils.
Preparations & dosage: Infusion: 1/2 - 1 tsp infused in 1 cup for 10-15 minutes. Tincture:
Actions:
Foundational:
Primary: Carminative. Cardiac tonic. Diaphoretic. Diuretic. Expectorant.
Secondary: Antispasmodic.
Uses:
Specific for pleurisy and the associated pain with breathing.
Stimulates secretions.
Pneumonia. Flu. Colds. Fevers.
Combines well with: Elecampane. Mullein. Yerba Santa. Cayenne. Lobelia.
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting: Harvest root around March or April. Clean it and then slice it up and dry in the shade.
Contraindications: Matthew wood states that it is not toxic, but should probably be avoided my those taking digitalis or other cardiac glycosides.
Sources:
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 180
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 301-302
The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 1: Mathew Wood. Pg 80-85
Studies:
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