Laurel Dewey, aka The Humorist Herbalist, has written another article, this time on Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa). Asclepias is one of those herbs that is so good for one thing (in this case, pleurisy) it tends to have it's other healing attributes pushed aside or often ignored.

Since I can never rely on newspapers to keep online articles archived for any length of time, I've listed the full contents in the extended text. Hit "more" if the link above no longer has the story.

Article published January 24, 2003 on the Glenwood Springs Post Independent

Breathe easy with pleurisy root

By Laurel Dewey

When they named herbs long ago, they must have been worn out when they got to pleurisy root. Instead of giving it some off-the-wall name, someone said, “You know, the root works when you’ve got pleurisy. Let’s just call it pleurisy root and go to bed.”

And so the name stuck. North American Indians called this root one of the “Great White Father’s best gifts to the children of nature.” Up until the early 20th century, pleurisy root was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia as an important lung aid.

Obviously, the herb pleurisy was used almost exclusively for the ailment called pleurisy. The ailment presents symptoms that could best be defined as serious respiratory distress. The thin membrane which lines the chest and covers the lungs becomes badly inflamed, causing very painful breathing. Deep breathing, coughing, sneezing and even movement can cause sharp pain in the chest and upper back.

Pleurisy can be caused by exposure to cold weather and is aggravated by cold, damp weather.

You might be saying, “I don’t have pleurisy” and you’re ready to turn the page. But wait! Do you ever suffer from bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia or the common cold and flu? Because if you do, pleurisy root could become your best plant pal.

The root promotes tremendous heat in the body, which helps raise the body temperature and encourage perspiration. At the same time, pleurisy root is charging through the body, opening up the lung capillaries and working to thin mucus and congestion, which makes it easier to expectorate. Because it increases circulation in the lungs, it quickly begins to ease chest tightness which, in turn, helps to reduce painful breathing.

Pleurisy root will promote healing of the respiratory system and expel trapped mucus and congestion. However, the herb alone will not do the job. Two other elements play a vital role in all respiratory ailments: diet and the bowel.
You can take pleurisy root for a respiratory infection, but if during that time you continue to eat dairy products, animal protein, fried foods, sugary sweets and soft drinks, you will not get well. You cannot expect to pull your body out of a serious respiratory illness — whether it is the flu or pneumonia — if you keep congesting it with mucus-forming, immune-suppressing foods and sweets.
As for the bowel, there is a direct connection between the lungs and the large intestine. When the lungs are affected by an illness, you can get relief by clearing the colon. I’ve seen this work countless times. Many of the old herbal medical texts recommend high enemas to relieve respiratory distress. Use a hot water enema, a coffee enema or, for added infection-fighting protection, a garlic water enema.

Once you are following the right diet and keeping your colon clean, drink pleurisy root tea to push the gunk out of your lungs. The dried pulverized root can be taken alone or mixed in a respiratory formula.

When used by itself, add three level teaspoons to 3 cups of cold water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the tea stand for 10 more minutes, strain and drink four ounces every half hour. Consume the entire three cups during the day.
It is very important to keep your body warm, preferably under the bed covers since you will start sweating.

An excellent respiratory formula is made with one-half teaspoon EACH of pleurisy root, licorice root, mullein leaves and yarrow flowers. Place the pleurisy and licorice root in one pint of cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the mullein and yarrow. Cover and steep for 20 minutes, strain and drink four to six ounces every hour while staying warm.
There are cautions to pleurisy root. The herb can be a uterine stimulant, so pregnant women should not use it. Because it is considered a powerful respiratory herb, it is not recommended for children under the age of 12.
Do not use pleurisy root if your symptoms include cold skin and a weak pulse. The herb’s relaxing and perspiration-inducing qualities can aggravate those symptoms. Do not use the fresh root since it causes nausea and vomiting. Also, the dried and fresh leaves can cause the same problem.

Finally, use only the recommended dose of one level teaspoon of herb per eight ounces of water. Larger amounts can induce vomiting.

If you stick to the right recuperative program, you’ll be up and around when everyone else is still down for the count.

Join Laurel Dewey on Saturday, Jan. 25, for a special one-day workshop in Glenwood Springs titled, “The Power & Persuasive Pleasure of Herbal Aphrodisiacs.” Students will learn which plant remedies work to spice up your love life. In addition, participants will make sensuous herbal goodies for their loved ones. Make this Valentine’s Day one you will always remember. Class fee is $65 plus a $10 supply fee. Call 704-0209 for more information and to make reservations.

Laurel Dewey is extending the special offer on autographed copies of her book “The Humorous Herbalist.” Purchase two books for $10 each (that’s $5 off the regular price) and receive a third book FREE. Send $20 plus $3 postage and handling to The Humorous Herbalist, P.O. Box 1984, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.

The information in this column is not meant to take the place of your physician, nor is it intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe. Pregnant or nursing women should consult their doctor before using herbal therapy.