Pleurisy, more commonly known as Butterfly Weed, is a North American species of
milkweed readily recognized by its bright orange flower buds, which open in fall
and provide food for Monarch butterflies. Fiber from the plant, including the
roots, were used by Native Americans to make rope.
Pleurisy root is harvested in
spring and used to make extracts and tinctures. However, due to the presence of
cardiac glycosides, the herb should not be used during pregnancy or while
breastfeeding, or by anyone with a history of heart disease or taking stimulant
medications.
