A member of the Asclepia genus, pleurisy root grows in areas from Canada southwards and is an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, carminative and is mildly cathartic. Asclepia has been regarded as a valuable medicinal plant and possesses a specification on the lungs, assisting expectoration, subduing inflammation and exerting a general mild tonic effect on the system. Pleurisy root has a good reputation in treating respiratory diseases, acting upon themucous membrane of the pulmonary tract, augmenting the secretions and favoring easy expectoration. As its name may indicate, pleurisy root is useful in treating pleurisy, mitigating the pain and relieving the difficulty of breathing. Pleurisy root has also been used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and acute and chronic rheumatism and can be used for pneumonia, bronchitis and chest colds with dry respiratory membranes and skin. NOTE: These descriptions are provided for information purposes only. Before taking any herb or supplement, it is recommended that you consult your health care professional to ensure it is safe for you to take and will not interact with any medications you may be taking.
