Asclepias tuberosa

Asclepias tuberosa
Family:Asclepias tuberosa; Antispasmodic; Carminative; Cathartic; Diaphoretic; Diuretic; Expectorant; Poultice; Tonic; Vasodilator.
Common name:Pleurisy root
Pleurisy root is a bitter nutty-flavoured tonic herb that increases perspiration relieves spasms and acts as an expectorant. It was much used by the North American Indians and acquired a reputation as a heal-all amongst the earlier white settlers. Its main use in present day herbalism is for relieving the pain and inflammation of pleurisy. The root is antispasmodic carminative mildly cathartic diaphoretic diuretic expectorant tonic and vasodilator. The root was very popular as a medicinal herb for the treatment of a range of lung diseases it was considered especially useful as an expectorant. It has never been scientifically examined and warrants further investigation. It has also been used internally with great advantage in the treatment of diarrhoea dysentery rheumatism etc. Use with caution This remedy should not be prescribed for pregnant women. See also the notes above on toxicity. The root is harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried. A poultice of the dried powdered roots is used in the treatment of swellings bruises wounds ulcers lameness etc.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 01:30 []