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Pleurisy Root

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Pleurisy Root Asclepias tuberosa herb illustration

Photo: H. Zell · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Pleurisy Root

Asclepias tuberosa

Family: Asclepiadaceae  |  Parts Used: Root

Pleurisy Root is a native North American plant with vibrant orange blooms, used in Native American herbalism for respiratory inflammation and lung congestion. Its diaphoretic and expectorant properties work to open the chest, ease breathing, and support detoxification through perspiration. It is potent and should be reserved for short-term, symptomatic relief of respiratory conditions such as pleurisy, bronchial congestion, colds, and flu.

Respiratory Immune Native American

Traditional Uses

  • Pleurisy (inflammation of the lining around the lungs)
  • Bronchial and lung congestion
  • Respiratory inflammation
  • Colds and flu symptom relief
  • Cardiac tonic support

Properties

Key Constituents

Preparations & Dosage

  • Decoction: 1-2 tsp root in 1 cup boiling water, or 1 oz dried root per 1 pint water. Take 1-2 cups daily while symptoms persist.
  • Tincture: 15-30 drops once or twice daily while symptoms persist.

TCM Profile: Bitter, acrid, cool.

Bonnie's Notes

Excellent tea for pleurisy and respiratory blends.

Cautions

  • Avoid very large doses. Not recommended for long-term use.
  • Reserved for short-term, symptomatic relief only. Discontinue once symptoms resolve.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Native to North America, growing in USDA zones 3-9. Found in open fields, roadsides, and dry prairies. Prefers well-draining soils and full sun. Its vibrant orange flower clusters make it easy to identify and a favorite of pollinators, especially monarch butterflies.

Fun Fact: Pleurisy root is a host plant for monarch butterflies. The caterpillars feed on the leaves and incorporate the plant's cardiac glycosides into their own bodies, making them unpalatable to birds. A striking example of a medicinal plant with deep ecological connections.

Related Articles

Sources & Research

The Way of Herbs, Michael Tierra, p. 180

The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann, p. 224

Herbs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, Kathi Keville, p. 50

Published Research:

8,12;8,20-diepoxy-8,14-secopregnane glycosides from roots of Asclepias tuberosa and their effect on proliferation of human cancer cell lines | Phytochemistry (2011)

Phyto-constituents of Asclepias tuberosa L. (Asclepiadaceae) | Bollettino chimico farmaceutico (1975)

On the cardenolides of roots of Asclepias tuberosa L. | Archiv der Pharmazie (1966)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.

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