Pleurisy Root: Benefits And Side Effects (Comprehensive Guide)

In this article, we will cover the uses of Pleurisy root as well as the risks associated with using it as medicine. The plant does have potential side effects and real contraindications so if you or anyone you know is using Pleurisy root definitely take a minute to read this guide.

If you are suffering from a bad cough, asthma, Bronchitis or inflammation of the lungs and especially the uterus, Pleurisy root might be natures medicine for you.

Pleurisy is a plant with beautiful orange flowers (pictured above), however the root of the pleurisy plant is what has benefits and uses not the flower or leaves. It’s said by gardeners that it’s quite simple to grow the pleurisy plant.

Benefits of Pleurisy Root

Pleurisy root benefits are not very broad spectrum. I would only suggest you use it in cases of inflammation that specifically effect the lungs or uterus like:

• Bronchitis
• Inflammation of the Lungs
• Chest Coughs
• Uterine Disorders (check contraindications)
• Muscle Spasms
• Influenza
• Asthma

Something that is very notable is that Pleurisy root contains an has an active compound that is near to identical to Digoxin, a prescription medication that is used to treat irregular heartbeat. This has had very little evidence, but worth mentioning as a potential benefit.

In general Pleurisy has very little research on it due to it’s side effects and very specific set of benefits.

A Practical Remedy For Respiratory Disorders

Pleurisy root (scientific name: Asclepias tuberosa), is a type of milkweed that usually grown in country gardens throughout the Eastern Area of North America.

The deep yellow and orange flowers are pretty attractive so these plants can also be used for decorative purposes. However, the ‘soul’ of the plant lies on its root. It is now used all over the world because of its roots’ medicinal properties. The roots are processed into various forms: dried, powdered, or incorporated in supplements to treat infections, respiratory ailments, and other conditions.

Moreover, its different parts, such as the seeds, premature shoots, buds, and even the stem are edible. The fibers from the plant are also utilized in making fabrics, threads, or ropes.

The dried fruit is commercially available in cut pieces of variable sizes. These are used in making teas and brews whereas the broken pieces are boiled. Meanwhile, the powdered form is easier to prepare as it only needs to be dissolved in water. The powder can also be transformed into paste and used to treat to wounds and prevent infections.

Many insects are attracted to the plant’s flowers, specifically monarch butterflies. That is why it is also referred to as the Butterfly weed or just Butterflyweed. Pleurisy root is also called Wind root, Canada root, White root and Flux root. It is also referred to as Orange Milkweed, Orange Swallow Wort, Racine Colique, and Racine de Flux.

Benefits:
Pleurisy root is one of the most widely used herbs in treating a variety of diseases. It can also help provide relief for a various conditions. These uses and benefits are listed below:

• helps treat pleurisy, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary catarrh and bronchitis
• subdues lung inflammations
• loosens phlegm and expels mucus
• relieves and prevents muscle spasms
• acts as diaphoretic
• can be used as tonic
• treats flatulence
• can also act as laxative
• helps provide relief for indigestion
• is used to treat diarrhea
• can act as purgative
• treats dysentery
• relieves chest pains
• treats both acute and chronic rheumatism
• is useful in managing eczema

As can be garnered from the list, pleurisy root is an essential herbal remedy for the treatment and management of different respiratory diseases and other few conditions. In fact, it is popular today primarily because of its ability to treat the pulmonary condition Pleurisy, which is characterized by swollen lung membranes. This is why this plant was named so. Pleurisy root lessens the pain and relieves the difficulty of breathing that is caused by Pleurisy. Apart from this, it has also been proven to be useful in treating Bronchitis as it loosens bronchial secretions. It also prevents other types of respiratory infections like Pneumonia and asthma.

This herb likewise assists in the expectoration on the lungs, or the elimination of mucus and phlegm from the respiratory passages. It can also be used as a tonic for relieving chest pains and as antispasmodic for preventing muscle spasms.

Lastly, Pleurisy root is recommended as a diaphoretic wherein it is used in producing sweats in fevers. Moreover, this herb is used to treat irregular bowel movements; it also removes gas formation in the alimentary tract.

If you want to opt for alternative natural holistic health remedies before trying pharmaceuticals, Pleurisy root can help. The supplement is safe to use as directed and can be readily found for purchase.

Pleurisy Root Side Effects and Contraindications

Is Pleurisy root safe? Pleurisy is not a plant without side effects so before you take it takes not of how you are feeling and pay attention to these things. It can interact poorly with prescription medications that effect the heart and cause serious problems. Let’s say this very clearly:

If you are on any prescription medication for any heart condition, do not take Pleurisy root.

Other known side effects of Pleurisy root include nausea, vomiting and skin rashes. If you get any of these reactions to the herb than just stop taking it and try something else.

Another strong contraindication is Pregnancy: Do not take Pleurisy root if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pleurisy root can stimulate the uterus and also can mimic the hormone estrogen. Both of these effects can endanger pregnancy so taking this herb while pregnant is a strict no.

The plant is even listed in the FDA poisonous plants database and can be toxic if not prepared carefully before consumption.

Pleurisy Root Dosage

Pleurisy root is a herb with medicinal compounds that should be extracted from the body of the root. For this reason, it is best taken in extract form but can also be taken as a tea:

• As an extract 20-40 drops in water three times a day
• In tea steep 1/2-1 tsp in hot water for 5 minutes three times per day

If you are instructed by a herbalist or health care professional to take it in a different dosage definitely take their personalized recommendation over my generalized one. Herbal supplements as tea, dried extract powder (loose or in capsule form), or in tincture are available. It’s recommended to check reviews of the products and source a high-quality product to maximize health benefits.

Pleurisy In One Paragraph

If you are looking for an anti-inflammatory herb that stimulates the lungs and uterus Pleurisy is that herb. Just be sure you use it as medicine short-term to avoid it’s side effects.

Alternative herbs with similar benefits

For lung conditions of all kinds, I absolutely love Schizandra and many alternative health care practitioners of herbalism also recommend Licorice Root. For uterine conditions this is really one of the best options, you could also try Gynostemma or Raspberry Leaf.