Powerful and relaxing diaphoretic (sudorific), diuretic, stimulant, expectorant, tonic, antispasmodic, mildly carminative, anodyne, cardiac depressant, nervine (slightly sedative), slightly astringent, mildly cathartic (large doses), emetic (large doses). Pleurisy root was considered by the North American Indians to be one of the "Great White Father's best gifts to the children of nature" because of its specific action for the lungs. And for all chest complaints, including "pleural bronchitis," etc., it is most valuable in assisting expectoration, subduing inflammation rapidly, reabsorbing exudation from the tissues and serious cavities, and exerting a general and mild tonic effect upon the whole system. It is one of Nature's very best therapeutic agents for pulmonary catarrh and difficult or suppressed expectoration, through its beneficial influence on the mucous membranes and serious tissues. Pleurisy root influences the skin and circulation by relaxing the capillaries, thereby relieving the heart and arteries of undue tension, and stimulating a slow and steady perspiration of the sudoriferous glands, wherein the excessive heat due to congestion in the skin is gradually eased. A milkweed, without milky juice. The fleshy white root produces several stout, round hairy stems, 3 feet tall. The leaves are lance shaped with the stem clasping toward the flowers. Many small, bright orange flowers with backward flaring petals and hooded crown occur in dense terminal, flat-topped umbels. The pods are 3-4- inches long, furry and upright. Common in the Midwest along dry roadsides. It is a carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, and expectorant. The root dried, boiled, chewed or made into a tea has been useful in pleurisy, pneumonia, tuberculosis, lung problems and other infectious diseases. For a decoction, boil I teaspoon of the root in 1 cup water, 30 minutes. Take 1-2 cups a day, or take 5~4-O drops of the tincture every 3 hours, depending on age and conditions. At the beginning of a cold, take 5~*5 drops in hot water with 1/4 teaspoon or more of cayenne pepper,every hour. A root poultice is used for bruises. CAUTION: The fresh root may produce undesirable symptoms. In large doses it acts as an emetic and purgative. Animals have been poisoned by feeding on the leaves and stems.