PLEURISY ROOT

Asclepias tuberose: Asclepiadacae

TASTE: bitter	VIPAKA: pungent
WARMTH: cool	DOSHAS: V+ P- K-

MERIDIANS: Lung, Colon

ACTIONS: expectorant, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, carminative, cathartic and purgative in large doses, cardiac, breaks up accumulated mucus in pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems.

INDICATIONS: In bronchitis and pneumonia: assists expectoration, decreases inflammation, mild tonic effect. In pleurisy: relieves pain and assists breathing. Also for TB, diarrhoea, dysentery, typhoid, acute and chronic rheumatism, flatulent colic, slow digestion, colds and flu, fevers.

PRECAUTIONS: large doses cathartic

CONSTITUENTS: Cardioactive glycosides and cardenolides, including ASCLEPIADIN. Flavonoids, including rutin, kaempferol, quercitin, and isorhamnetin. Friedalin, amyrin, lupeol, viburnitol, choline sugars, and amino acids

PREPARATION AND USE:
-a strong infusion (1 in 30), made of dried root steeped for 1/2 hour. Take warm 1 cupful every hour will promote perspiration and expectoration.
-a decoction is taken in doses of 1-2 oz.
-tincture 5-40 drops every three hours
-in pleurisy, combined with Angelica and Sassafras to promote perspiration and equalise circulation
-combined with cayenne and lobelia for chest congestion
-combine with other respiratory demulcents such as bonset, cayenne, hyssop, and mullein
-use a poultice on open sores
-fresh leaf tea induces vomiting

USE IN PERSONAL GROWTH:
-can help deal with old emotions that manifest as congestion and mucus, helps to digest and clear out such emotional material. Use along with deep breathing and fresh air.

"Accepting that I am responsible for my own pain gives me the power to heal it."