Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa), also known as butterfly weed, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly by Native American tribes and 19th-century American herbalists. It was traditionally used to treat respiratory conditions such as pleurisy (inflammation of the lining of the lungs), bronchitis, and various types of chest pain. The root was prepared as a tea, tincture, or poultice and was believed to have expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) properties, aimed at reducing pain and respiratory discomfort.

However, scientific validation for these uses is minimal. There are very few modern clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness or safety of pleurisy root for chest pain or related respiratory conditions. Most available information comes from historical texts and anecdotal accounts rather than controlled research. While some phytochemical studies have identified potentially active compounds (such as flavonoids and glycosides), there is insufficient evidence to confirm that these constituents provide significant relief from chest pain or pleurisy in humans.

In summary, the use of pleurisy root for chest pain is justified primarily by traditional use, not by robust scientific evidence. Modern medical guidance does not support its use as a first-line treatment for chest pain, especially given the potential seriousness of this symptom.