Evidence supporting the use of: Pleurisy
For the health condition: Pleurisy
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Pleurisy root (Asclepias tuberosa), commonly referred to as "pleurisy," has a long history of traditional use in North American herbal medicine, particularly among Indigenous peoples and early American settlers. It was traditionally employed to treat pleurisy—a painful inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity—as well as other respiratory ailments. The root was believed to act as an expectorant, diaphoretic (promoting sweating), and anti-inflammatory.
Despite its strong tradition of use, modern scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of pleurisy root for treating pleurisy or other respiratory conditions is scant. While some phytochemical studies have identified the presence of glycosides and resins in the root, robust clinical trials or pharmacological studies validating its effectiveness for pleurisy are lacking. Most of the supportive information comes from historical texts and herbal compendia, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (where it was listed in the 19th and early 20th centuries), rather than from contemporary medical research.
In summary, pleurisy root is used for pleurisy based on traditional and historical practices rather than scientific validation. Modern medicine does not generally recognize it as an effective treatment for pleurisy, and evidence for its use is rated very low (1/5), reflecting the absence of rigorous clinical proof.
Other ingredients used for Pleurisy
turmericgarlic bulb
ginger
licorice root
marshmallow
spruce
slippery elm bark
mullein
eucalyptus
Aconite
Acetylsalicylic acid
Barleria
Ivy
Other health conditions supported by Pleurisy
Chest PainCongestion (lungs)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Pleurisy
Pneumonia
Tuberculosis