Asclepias syriaca

Asclepias syriaca
Family:Asclepias syriaca; Anodyne; Contraceptive; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Emetic; Expectorant; Homeopathy; Purgative; Warts.
Common name:Common milkweed
The root is anodyne diaphoretic diuretic emetic expectorant and purgative. It has been used in the treatment of asthma kidney stones venereal disease etc. Caution is advised see the notes above on toxicity. An infusion of the pounded roots has been used by the women of some native North American Indian tribes to promote temporary sterility. The leaves and/or the latex are used in folk remedies for treating cancer and tumours. The milky latex from the stems and leaves is used in the treatment of warts. The latex needs to be applied at least daily over a period of up to a few weeks to be effective. The stems can be cooked and applied as a poultice on rheumatic joints. One reported Mohawk antifertility concoction contained milkweed and jack-in-the-pulpit both considered contraceptive. Dried and pulverized a fistful of milkweed and three Arisaema rhizomes were infused in a pint of water for 20 minutes. The infusion was drunk a cupful an hour to induce temporary sterility. The rhizome is used in homeopathy as an antioedemic and emmenagogue in the treatment of dropsy and dysmenorrhoea.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:30 []