Pleurisy Root C/S

To gardeners, pleurisy root is known as butterfly weed, a perennial plant with showy clusters of bright orange flowers that attract butterflies and other pollinators. Native American tribes used the plant’s roots extensively as medicine, particularly as a remedy for lung ailments like pleurisy (an inflammation of the lining around the lungs). This led to its original common name: pleurisy root.

In modern herbal medicine, pleurisy root is still primarily recommended for relieving the pain and inflammation of pleurisy, dry coughs and other respiratory infections. The herb is thought to loosen congestion, reduce swelling and promote sweating to bring down a fever. In small doses, pleurisy root may also be used to soothe the gut lining; excessive doses, however, may cause vomiting.

Wildcrafted pleurisy root, cut and sifted, is often taken as an herbal tea or prepared as a tincture. Powdered pleurisy root is available for encapsulation if the tea’s strong, bitter taste is unpalatable.