Main content Pleurisy Root

    Pleurisy Root



    Uses
    Botanical names:
    Asclepias tuberosa

    Parts Used & Where Grown

    As its common name indicates, the root of pleurisy root is used as medicine. This brilliant-orange-flowered herb is native to and continues to grow primarily in the southwestern and midwestern United States. Many plants similar to pleurisy root are known as milkweeds because they produce a milky sap—something pleurisy root does not do.

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    3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

    2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

    1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

    This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

    Used for Why
    1 Star
    Bronchitis
    Refer to label instructions
    Pleurisy root is traditionally used to loosen bronchial secretions and is thought to be helpful against all types of respiratory infections.

    Expectorant herbs help loosen bronchial secretions and make elimination of mucus easier. Numerous herbs are traditionally considered expectorants, though most of these have not been proven to have this effect in clinical trials. Reference Pleurisy root is an expectorant and is thought to be helpful against all types of respiratory infections. It is traditionally employed as an expectorant for bronchitis. However, owing to the cardiac glycosides it contains, pleurisy root may not be safe to use if one is taking heart medications.4 This herb should not be used by Reference pregnant women.

    Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

    Pleurisy root was used by Native American tribes both internally as a remedy for pulmonary infections and topically to treat wounds.1 The Eclectic physicians seized upon these ideas and continued to use the plant primarily for lung problems such as pleurisy and pneumonia. It was also used as a diaphoretic (a substance that causes sweating) for all manner of Reference infections.2 Pleurisy root was an official medicine in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1905.3

    How It Works
    Botanical names:
    Asclepias tuberosa

    How It Works

    Insufficient work has been done to identify the active constituents in pleurisy root or its medicinal actions. No human studies have been conducted to determine whether it is effective for any indication. It is still used by herbalists and some physicians trained in herbal medicine as a diaphoretic (promotes sweating), and for lung infections and conditions of the pleura that lines the lungs.5

    How to Use It

    A pleurisy root tea can be made by lightly simmering one teaspoon of the dried, chopped root in one pint of water for 10 to 15 minutes. One cup of this tea can be drunk twice per day.6 Alternately, 1 to 2 ml of tincture of the fresh root can be used three times per day.7

    Interactions
    Botanical names:
    Asclepias tuberosa

    Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

    At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

    Interactions with Medicines

    Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

    Reference What Are Drug Interactions
    Types of interactions: Beneficial Adverse Check

    Replenish Depleted Nutrients

    • none

    Reduce Side Effects

    • none

    Support Medicine

    • none

    Reduces Effectiveness

    • none

    Potential Negative Interaction

    • Reference Acebutolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.8

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Amlodipine-Benazepril

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.9

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Atenolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius species contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as atenolol.10

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Betaxolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.11

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Bisoprolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius species contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as bisoprolol.12

    • Reference Digoxin

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as digoxin.13

    • Reference Labetalol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.14

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Nadolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.15

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Propranolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.16

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Sotalol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.17

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Timolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.18

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

    Explanation Required

    • Reference Amlodipine

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.19

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Bepridil

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.20

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Carteolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta blockers.21

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Diltiazem

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.22

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Esmolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.23

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Felodipine

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.24

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Isradipine

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.25

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Levobunolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.26

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Metipranolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta blockers.27

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Metoprolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.28

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Nebivolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta blockers.29

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Nicardipine

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.30

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Nifedipine

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.31

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Nimodipine

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.32

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Nisoldipine

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.33

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Penbutolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.34

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Pindolol

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as beta-blockers.35

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    • Reference Verapamil

      As pleurisy root and other plants in the Aesclepius genus contain cardiac glycosides, it is best to avoid use of pleurisy root with heart medications such as calcium channel blockers.36

      The interaction is supported by preliminary, weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
    The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

    Side Effects
    Botanical names:
    Asclepias tuberosa

    At the recommended amounts, pleurisy root generally has no adverse effects. Excessive intake (1 tablespoon or more of the root at one time) can cause intestinal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and Reference diarrhea.37 Pleurisy root should be avoided by pregnant women as it may stimulate uterine contractions.38

    Related Information
    Pleurisy Root

    References

    1. Vogel VJ. American Indian Medicine. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1970:287–8.

    2. Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King’s American Dispensatory, 18th ed, vol 1. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1898, 1983:288–1.

    3. Vogel VJ. American Indian Medicine. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1970:287–8.

    4. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    5. Moore M. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press, 1979:130.

    6. Moore M. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press, 1979:130.

    7. Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King’s American Dispensatory, 18th ed, vol 1. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1898, 1983:288–1.

    8. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    9. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    10. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    11. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    12. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    13. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    14. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    15. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    16. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    17. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    18. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    19. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    20. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    21. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    22. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    23. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    24. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    25. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    26. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    27. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    28. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    29. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    30. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    31. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    32. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    33. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    34. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    35. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    36. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 213–4.

    37. Moore M. Medicinal Plants of the Mountain West. Santa Fe: Museum of New Mexico Press, 1979:130.

    38. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998, 112–3.

    Last Review: 11-07-2012

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