Pleurisy Root Powder

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.

Dried pleurisy root has a strong, bitter taste that can be avoided by encapsulating the root’s powder. Wildcrafted, cut and sifted pleurisy root is also available for herbal teas and tinctures.