Pleurisy

Pleurisy Root (Asclepias tuberosa), commonly known as Butterfly Weed or Orange Milkweed, is a perennial plant native to eastern and central North America. Belonging to the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), its thick, tuberous taproot has a rich history in Native American and traditional herbal medicine for supporting respiratory health and easing chest discomfort.

Key Characteristics:

• Respiratory and Lung Support: Traditionally used as an expectorant and diaphoretic to help clear mucus from the lungs, soothe bronchial airways, and ease pleuritic chest discomfort.

• Vibrant Orange Blossoms: Easily identified in the wild by its clusters of bright, fiery orange-to-yellow flowers that bloom throughout mid-to-late summer and attract pollinators like monarch butterflies.

• Unique Low-Latex Milkweed: Unlike most other species in the milkweed family, Asclepias tuberosa contains virtually no milky sap (latex) when its stems or leaves are broken.

• Tuberous Medicinal Root: The primary active part used in herbalism is its large, tough, yellowish-white taproot, which contains bioactive cardenolides, flavonoids, and resins.

• Drought-Tolerant Native: Highly resilient plant that thrives in dry, sandy, or rocky soils with full sun exposure due to its deep taproot system.