Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosaA member of the Asclepiadaceae family
Habitat: Native to North America from southern Ontario and New York to Minnesota and south to Florida and Colorado, it can be found growing in dry open fields, along roadsides and grassy places.
Found: Ditch along gravel road in southern Minnesota
Parts Used: Root, dried
Collection Time: July through October
Preparations: Decoction: 1 teaspoon dried root per cup of water, simmered for 10-15 minutes. Tincture: (1;3, 45% alcohol) 30-60 drops two to three times daily
Energetics: Slightly acrid and sweet; drying and cooling
Historical Uses: Physicians used Native American implemented Native American ideas about the plant and continued to use the plant primarily for lung problems such as pleurisy and pneumonia. It was also used as a diaphoretic for all infections. Butterfly weed (recognized as “pleurisy root”) was an official medicine in the United States Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1905.
Use in Chinese Medicine: Although it is not traditionally used, butterfly weed has been integrated into some areas of Chinese medicine. It is effective in diffusing lung qi and circulating the qi of the chest, hence it is used for an assortment of chest ailments including asthma, cough, and major chest bind.
Flower Essence Usage: It helps with both stress and anxiety, especially when caused by hurtful relationships. The feeling of “butterflies in the stomach” is an indication (cute!).
Native American Usage: Native Americans boiled the tubers for food, prepared sugar from the flowers, and chewed the dried root or made a tea as a remedy for bronchitis, pneumonia and dysentery. Some Native American legends tell of the roots being used as a body wash for lifting and running strength.
Folk Uses: Used in European and American folk medicine as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory.
Personal Experience: N/A
Indications for Use: Dry skin; cough; strong pulse; pleuritic pain made worse with movement; pleurisy; bronchitis; pneumonitis; influenza; common cold
Possible Side Effects: When taken in recommended dosages, butterfly weed generally has no adverse effects. However, excessive intake can cause intestinal cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, the plant should be avoided by pregnant women as it can stimulate uterine contractions.
Expected Outcomes from Usage: It has a specific action on the lungs, assisting expectoration and calming inflammation. It also has diaphoretic and antispasmodic properties that are useful in the treatment of pleurisy and pneumonia, where it eases pain and exerts a mild tonic effect on the system.