Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy Root, Butterfly Weed)

Family: Asclepiadaceae

Part Used: Root

Active Constituents:

Alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, resins

Medicinal Actions:

Antispasmodic, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive (mild), lymphagogue, vasodilator

Medicinal Uses:

1)According to Felter, Scudder’s specific indications for the use of Asclepias include “pulse strong, vibratile, skin moist, pain acute and seemingly dependent on motion”.

2) “Skin hot and dry or inclined to moisture, urine scanty, face flushed, vascular excitement marked in the area supplied by the bronchial arteries, inflammation of serous tissues”.

3)Asclepias is noted for use as a relaxing expectorant.

4) It is also a profound diaphoretic, so is useful in cases of bronchitis and pleurisy where the condition is stagnant.

5) It should be used when the patient is presenting with hot and dry skin, difficult and painful breathing or coughing. The cough is often sharp and painful and tight and there is scanty secretions.

6)There may be pain in the chest.

7)It relaxes the arterioles and venules and also increases strength of muscular contractions in the heart and lungs.

8) It stimulates ciliary action in the bronchi and also is a mild lymphagogue, especially in the chest and trunk.

9) Because of the above actions, it is used in treatment of congestive heart failure as well as bronchitis, pleurisy, pulmonary edema (mild).

10) Due to the diaphoretic effect, it may be used in treatment of influenza.

Contraindications: Pregnancy

Pharmacy:

Decoction: 1 tsp/cup H2O TID – QID

Tincture (1:5): 20-60 drops QID

Fluid Extract (1:1): 10 – 30 drops QID