Asclepias Tuberosa.
Syn.—Asclepias, pleurisy root, butterfly weed.
P. E.—Root.
N. O.—Asclepiadaceae.
N. H.—United States.
Properties: Diaphoretic, expectorant, cathartic, tonic.
Indications: Strong pulse, dry skin, cough, pleuritic pain which is aggravated by motion, in fevers with above indications.
Use: Stimulates secretion of the skin, salivary glands and kidneys. Increases secretion of mucous and especially serous membranes. Its influence is mostly exerted upon sudoriparous glands, and it is a distinctive eliminative agent. Has a direct action upon the thoracic organs. We think of it in disturbances of the centers that supply the bronchial arteries, intercostal pains, peritonitis, pleurisy, pneumonia, and acute rheumatism, combined or alternated with such other remedies as may be indicated. It is not as powerful a remedy as jaborandi, but much less depressing. Certainly a good remedy in catarrhal conditions either of the pulmonary or gastrointestinal tract which are the result of a cold. As it is not irritating to the stomach it is a remedy that can be taken without disturbing the gastro-intestinal tract. A valuable adjunct to other indicated remedies in inflammatory rheumatism.
The Materia Medica and Clinical Therapeutics, 1905, was written by Fred J. Petersen, M.D.
