Pleurisy root has been regarded as a medicinal plant that has shown its effectiveness in cases of hypertension, hardening of arteries, and improving blood circulation. The name Pleurisy comes from ‘Asclepias’ that refers to the Greek God that represents medicine and healing. The roots of this plant are edible and have been used for traditional preparations of medicines.
Pleurisy root helps in the treatment of pleurisy, a condition caused by inflammation in the lungs pleura that causes sharp pricking pain in the chest while breathing and coughing. This root is an herbal and natural alternative to treat pain caused by inflammation of lungs(1) and also for other diseases.
Nutritional Information
- It is often used to treat snow blindness and other types of blindness.
- It is combined with ginger to treat pulmonary congestion.
- It works as a diuretic by increasing the urine output and removes excess water and toxins from the body.
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The Medicinal Benefits of Pleurisy Root
- Aids digestion– The herb is beneficial in treating digestive disorders. The natives in America have used this herb to treat conditions like diarrhea, colic, and gastroenteric. The herb has antispasmodic and carminative properties that help in treating these disorders.
- The antiviral properties-The herb plays a role in treating viral infections and is used by Native Americans for the same purpose. A lot of herbal practitioners continue to use the herb for influenza and swine flu.
- Analgesic in the nature-The herb is known to have analgesic properties that reduce body pain and inflammation in the body. It is known to treat muscle pain, rheumatism, and even spasms.
- Clears inflammation-This root is very useful in clearing the mucus build up in the chest and lungs. It is known to treat pneumonia(2). In ancient times it has extensively been used to treat wheezing, cough, bronchitis, flu, and cold.
- Speeds wound healing process-The herb can be used as a poultice. It is known to treat the infection from a wound and speeds the healing process. It treats ulcers, bruises other than injuries.
- Works as a diaphoretic– Pleurisy root is used to treat lung-related diseases. It is diaphoretic and works as an expectorant to solve ailments like cough and pneumonitis.
- Suitable for skin-It also relieves skin problems like eczema, swelling, bruises, and skin ulcers.
How to Use Pleurisy Root
Pleurisy Root Tea for Respiratory Disorders
You Need
Dried pleurisy root, 1 cup of water.
Method
Add 250 ml water to a pan and put it to boil. Add 1 ½ tsp of the dried herb and simmer for 15 minutes.
Drink this thrice every day for the best results.
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The Tea Provides the Following Pleurisy Root Benefits
- It is an effective remedy to treat allergies.
- It clears the congestion in the lungs and sinuses. It eases out breathing and reduces pleural effusion.
- It increases perspiration that helps to bring down a fever as well.
Dosage
Don’t surpass the dosage from 1 ml to 2 ml more than three times a day.
Precautions
- It can be toxic if ingested without proper preparation.
- They are known to be very poisonous for sheep and cows.
- As it can stimulate contractions in the uterus and stimulate discharge, it must strictly be avoided by pregnant women.
- Breastfeeding mothers must also avoid it as there are traces of cardiac glycosides.
- It must be eaten in moderation as over-eating can be very poisonous.
- Side effects of overconsumption might include symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, stomach-ache, and nausea.
Diverse Usage of Pleurisy Root
Pleurisy root has medicinal, therapeutic, and culinary uses. People eat the flower buds, young shoots that taste like peas in various recipes, and also use the edible oil that is extracted from the seed. It is an excellent alternative to over the counter medications, as it is herbal and a natural form of treatment with minimal or no side-effects.
FAQs
1. What Are the Other Uses of Pleurisy Root?
It is used to treat diseases like indigestion, skin wounds, menstrual problems, but it is famous for its effectiveness in treating diseases related to the lungs. It treats is used to treat cough, pneumonia, and reduce inflammation in the lungs.
2. Are Butterfly Weed and Pleurisy Root the Same Thing?
Yes, they both are a species of milkweeds. They exude a white sap from the stems, and this is why they are called milkweeds.
