PLEURISY ROOT Meaning and
Definition
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Pleurisy root, scientifically known as Asclepias tuberosa, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the milkweed family, Asclepiadaceae. It is native to North America, particularly found in the eastern and central regions of the United States. The plant derives its name from its historical use in traditional medicine to treat pleurisy, an inflammatory condition of the lung's lining.
Pleurisy root possesses a thick, tuberous rootstock, which is the most utilized part of the plant for medicinal purposes. The rootstock contains various pharmacologically active compounds, including steroidal saponins, resins, tannins, and volatile oils. These constituents attribute to its anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and diaphoretic properties that are believed to alleviate the symptoms associated with pleurisy and other respiratory ailments.
In traditional medicine, pleurisy root has been used to alleviate chest congestion, coughs, and pleurisy itself. It is often prepared as a decoction or infusion and consumed orally. The plant's expectorant properties help to promote the expulsion of phlegm from the respiratory tract, relieving congestion and facilitating breathing. Additionally, pleurisy root may help reduce inflammation and soothe irritation in the lungs caused by pleurisy.
Although pleurisy root has a long history of traditional use, it is important to note that any medicinal use should be discussed with healthcare professionals. The plant may have contraindications, interactions, or side effects that should be properly understood before consumption.
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Butterfly weed, orange milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PLEURISY ROOT
- oleurisy root
- lleurisy root
- -leurisy root
- 0leurisy root
- pkeurisy root
- ppeurisy root
- poeurisy root
- plwurisy root
- plsurisy root
- pldurisy root
- plrurisy root
- pl4urisy root
- pl3urisy root
- pleyrisy root
- plehrisy root
- plejrisy root
- pleirisy root
- ple8risy root
- ple7risy root
Etymology of PLEURISY ROOT
The word "pleurisy root" is a compound term that originates from the combination of two words: "pleurisy" and "root".
1. "Pleurisy": The term "pleurisy" derives from the Latin word "pleuritis", which in turn comes from the Greek word "pleurī́s", meaning "the side" or "rib". Pleurisy is an inflammatory condition affecting the membranes surrounding the lungs (pleura), typically causing severe chest pain.
2. "Root": The word "root" comes from the Old English word "rot" and has its roots in the Proto-Germanic language. It refers to the underground part of a plant that typically absorbs water and nutrients.
When used together, "pleurisy root" is a term used to describe a specific plant or herb that was traditionally used to treat pleurisy or respiratory ailments.
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