Understanding Herbs - Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)

There is nothing that reminds me more of summer than the beautiful bright yellows and vibrant oranges of mid-summer flowers. Beautiful sunflowers, day lilies, and of course the radiant orange and almost red tones of Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa). Asclepias is one of those powerful herbal medicine allies that has been brushed off of the popular shelf of herbs, but 100+ years ago, this amazing herb was at the forefront of the standard materia medica an was a staple for indigenous groups and settlers across the prairies of North America.

I first learned about it a number of years ago when I was still studying herbal medicine at Dominion Herbal College and began reading Matthew Wood's book The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants. I had seen this plant as an ornamental in yards and neighbourhoods from BC to West Virginia and was so pleased to read about its uses and colorful past. 

In an attempt to inspire individuals to learn more about herbal medicine, and to offer students, practitioners, gardeners, or those seeking healing  more complete information about medicinal plants, I am now so pleased to offer you this monograph.

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

In health and wellness,
​Petra Sovcov - Clinical Herbal Therapist

Intro

​This beautiful flowering herb is commonly known as Butterfly Weed, Swallow Wort, Wind Root, Tuber Root, , and Pleurisy Root. It is a perennial herb of the Asclepiadaceae family and is native to the United States and Canada.

Traditionally, Pleurisy Root is used for the condition it is named for, pleurisy. In its actions with pleurisy it is best known for its ability to mitigate associated pain and relieve the difficulty of breathing without being overly stimulating.

It is most beneficial to the respiratory system where it proves itself to be best used with issues such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and dry coughs with pain.

In the nineteenth century pleurisy root was one of the most popular moistening diaphoretics (sweat inducing) and was considered a very common herb by Materia Medica texts at the time.

Parts Used: Root

Actions:
Febrifuge           
Antispasmodic                 
Amphoteric                       
Expectorant                      
Diaphoretic
Carminative       
Anti-Rheumatic               
Tonic                                    
ANS Stimulant                  
Estrogenic
Anti-inflammatory                                          
Anti-pyretic                       
Aperient (mild)

• Stimulates function of mucous and serous surfaces
• Pleurisy root was regarded as a lung tonic and the best diaphoretic in the Eclectic Materia Medica.
• Indigenous people have used pleurisy root both internally and externally for bronchial and pulmonary disorders.
  
  

Chemical Constituents:

• Flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin)
• Sugars
• Steroids
• Cardiac Glycosides
• Cardenolides (Asclepiadin, ascelpin)
• Triterpenes (friedelin, alpha-and beta-amyrin, viburnitol, lupeol)
• The cardenolides have positive inotropic and cardiotonic effects and have been suggested as possible anti-cancer agents.

What are its uses?

Head, Ears, Eyes, Nose, and Throat:

• Irritation of the larynx
• Hoarseness
• Headache (especially if due to gastric issues)
• Catarrhal

 
Integumentary System (Skin):

• Equalizes circulation by opening up surface capillaries and promoting free blood flow.
• Sedative or relaxing diaphoretic that opens the pores of the pleura and the skin to decongest water and heat.
• Regulates pores of the skin via the autonomic nervous system
• “ Pleurisy root, as a gestalt, tends to stimulate skin and mucosal circulation, sebaceous secretions, and sweat; therefore it can be used with great success in tonic formulas for both dry skin and hair, frequent nighttime urination, and generally poor adaptability to changes in heat and humidity” – Michael Moore, MH
• Skin disorders when the skin is dry and scaly
• Bruises, sores, and wounds (Topically – traditional Indigenous use)
• Dry skin conditions
• Eczema
  
  
• Mental Health:
• Nervous irritability
  
  
• Nervous System:
• Stimulant to the autonomic nervous system.
• Neuralgia with suppressed secretions and pain in the ribs
• General neuralgia
  
  ​Respiratory System:
• Pleurisy (inflammation of the tissue layers lining the lungs and inner chest wall).
• Painful respiration, especially at the base of the lungs.
• Pneumonia (also in the early stages and with children)
• Bronchitis
• Dry Cough
• Cough
• Flu
• Common Cold (particularly in children)
• Inflammation of the lungs
• Mucous/catarrhal affections
• All bronchial congestions
• It is par excellent the child’s remedy in chest affections.
• Asthma with dryness, difficulty breathing and sense of constriction
• Promotes expectoration and reduces inflammation
• Painful breathing
• Any disorders of the respiratory tract
• Tuberculosis
• Relieves respiratory pain and eases breathing

​Digestive/Gastrointestinal System:

• Colic
• Digestive disturbances
• Dyspepsia
• Mucous build up in the GIT
• Gastritis
• Flatulent colic

 
 
Excretory System:

• Dysentery
• Diarrhea

Cardiovascular System:

• Pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium; the fibrous sac surrounding the heart)
• To slow a rapid pulse
• Pulmonary congestion

 
Immune/Lymphatic System:

• High “burning” fever
• General fever

 
Reproductive System:

• Uterine conditions and disorders (not typical)

 
Musculoskeletal System:

• Acute Rheumatism
• Sharp pain that may be made worse with movement (stitch in the side)
• Gout
• Acute Bursitis
• Arthritic and rheumatic conditions

Specific Diseases/States/Infections/Viruses/Bacteria:

• Moistens internal membranes
• Decongests internal fluids that have become stuck or stagnant
• Exanthematous diseases like rubella and measles

 
Combinations:

• It is often combined with Angelica and Sassafras for producing perspiration in fever and pleurisy and for equalizing the circulation of the blood.

Safety Concerns and Contraindications

• No adverse effects expected if taken within recommended doses
• No documented contraindications known
• Can be used in small doses in children as a dependable diaphoretic in fever (refer to your Herbalist before dosing)
• Pregnancy – due to the uterine stimulant action (in vitro IV in rabbit, dog, and cat) and its estrogenic activity (in rats)
• Due to the heart stimulating effects of the extract (in frogs) and the cardiac glycoside content of the root. The activity of digitaloid glycosides may be enhanced ( this is speculative only, no reports in human cases have been made)
• Nontoxic, but probably should not be taken by people on digitalis or other cardiac glycosides
• High doses may lead to nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (high doses causing this reaction are not defined in claims)
• Toxic to livestock

References

• Thomas Bartram (1998). Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. London: Robinson Publishing Ltd
• Alma R. Hutchens (1991). Indian Herbalogy of North America. Boston and London: Shambhala Publications Inc
• Francis Brinker, N.D. (2001). Herb Contraindications & Drug Interactions – Third Edition. USA: Eclectic Medical Publications
• Matthew Wood (2009) The Earthwise Herbal A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants. Berkly, California: North Atlantic Books
• Julieta Criollo DNM, CHT (2013) Medicinal Herbs Quick Reference Guide – Third Edition. Canada: Published by Julieta Criollo
• Kerry Bone (2000) A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs – Published by Churchill Livingstone, An Imprint of Elsevier
• Mrs. M. Grieves (1931) A Modern Herbal – Published by Random House Publishers Ltd.
  
• Elizabeth M. Williamson (1998) – Potter’s Herbal Cyclopaedia – Saffron Walden The C.W. Daniel Company Limited