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Herbs & Supplements
Orange swallow-wort
Scientific Name: Pleurisy root
Other Names: Asclepias tuberosa, Butterfly Weed, Canada Root, Flux Root, Orange Milkweed, Orange Swallow-wort, Silkweed, Swallow-wort, Tuber Root, White Root, Wild Root
Should I take it?
Pleurisy root is a member of the milkweed family of plants. Generally considered to be a nuisance in the United States, milkweeds are actually cultivated in some parts of the world because they are highly attractive to butterflies, which help to pollinate other crops. Usually growing as bushes about 2 feet to 3 feet high, pleurisy root is believed to be native to eastern North America. It produces clusters of bright orange flowers followed by large green seed pods. In the fall, the pods dry out and split open to release seeds that are attached to fuzzy threads, which blow easily on the wind. Although the leaves and branches of pleurisy root die in the winter, the roots send out new plants when the weather warms up in the spring. For use in medicine, the roots are dried after being dug up in the spring.
Dosage and Administration
No recommendations for dosing amounts, durations, or intervals are available in scientific literature. Few medical reasons exist to take pleurisy root, but if it is used, the dose recommendations on the package of the product that is purchased should be followed.
Summary
The former uses of pleurisy root to treat respiratory infections are largely outdated.
Risks
Because pleurisy root contains estrogen-like chemicals, taking it during pregnancy may cause a miscarriage. It should also be avoided by women who are breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Pleurisy root may be associated with heart rhythm changes, nausea, or visual disturbances similar to the side effects of digoxin. It may also cause a rash or upset stomach.
Interactions
Pleurisy root may increase the chances of side effects when it is taken with digoxin or with herbals that have digoxin-like activity. Because it can act like the hormone estrogen in the body, pleurisy root could interfere with female hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives.
Last Revised July 31, 2008
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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Should I take it? 
