Also known as Pleurisy Root, Butterfly Weed is an edible plant that is used by herbalists. The root contains a glycoside, asclepiadin, which is used as an emetic and purgative [332, 348 ]. The root of this species sometimes occurs in commercial Senega Root (Polygala Senega). web interface by Under these conditions, tropical milkweed produces higher cardenolide concentrations. If you would like to support this site, please consider, Bed of cultivated plants in the Jardin d'Éden, Réunion, Seeds and floss emerging from the seed capsule, http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:3:4292127278597336, http://www.hear.org/pier/scientificnames/index.html, http://botany.si.edu/bdg/medicinal/index.html, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. Asclepias curassavica L. Accepted Name Blood Flower Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Gentianales > Apocynaceae > Asclepias > Asclepias curassavica L. Some are also considered toxic. It has also been used in scrofula with great success. ), is used in the Southern States as a remedy in snake bites and the bites of venomous insects. This article was useful in telling me what to expect from it and how to propagate it. Besides their medicinal uses, Asclepias Last update on 2019-06-13: Now containing 11906 plants. Asclepias curassavica L. Common Name: Blood-flowerFamily: Apocynaceae Juss. The database and code is licensed under a The three species of Asclepias most used in medicine are the Calotropis procera, A. tuberosa (Pleurisy root) and A. Incarnata (Swamp Milkweed). Grows best in light, rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil in full sun. with help from A MODERN HERBAL Home Page, © Copyright Protected 1995-2020 Botanical.com. Plus, milkweed is the food of our beautiful monarch butterflies. See under: D. St. Cyr commends it in phthisis (Ph. It has also been used in scrofula (tuberculosis infection of the lymph nodes in the neck) with great success. With numerous common names including tropical milkweed, bloodflower, scarlet milkweed, sunset flower and silkweed, Asclepias curassavica is an interesting member of the milkweed family (Asclepiadaceae) thought to be native to the Caribbean, South America, Central America or Mexico. It is a very common roadside weed in the eastern and central states of North America, where it is called 'Silkweed,' from the silky down which surmounts the seed, being an inch or two in length, and which has been used for making hats and for stuffing beds and pillows. Pleurisy root is used in herbalism as an antispasmodic, carminative, mildly cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, tonic and vasodilator. Both root and expressed juice are emetic, the former in the dose of 20 to 40 grains, the latter in that of a fluid ounce. Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants known as milkweeds, named for their latex, a milky substance containing cardiac glycosides termed cardenolides, exuded where cells are damaged. ), 'TamePoison,' besides the glucoside Asclepiadin said closely to resemble emetine in its physiological properties, the glucoside Vincetoxir has been isolated. Asclepias curassavica growing with ornamental grasses. Butterfly Weed Root is used internally in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, chronic rheumatism, and as an expectorant. Monarch caterpillars are tolerant of these chemicals⁠—in fact, cardenolides are the very compound that protects the monarch from predation. Besides the above-named species, various other species of the genus have been used medicinally. It is widely used in treatment of Piles. Ethnobotanical Uses Medicinal ( … B. Marina Vera Ku Es nativa de América y se distribuye en los trópicos y subtrópicos. Asclepias margaritacea Hoffmanns. In South America, fresh or dried and powdered leaves are applied on cancerous sores, and are used in the treatment of dysentery, piles and gonorrhoea. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here. ---Other Species--- Asclepias margaritacea Hoffmanns. In postVedic literature, Soma is a regular name for the moon, which is regarded as being drunk by the gods and so waning, till it is filled up again by the Sun. Ajna Fern A paste made of the crushed leaves, combined with salt, vegetable oil and bread, is used for treating skin ulcers [348 ]. It is easily grown from seed each year. There is a long list of medicinal uses for Milkweed which include asthma, arthritis, bronchitis, edema aka dropsy, kidney stones, scrofula, some bladder issues, water retention, stomach ailments, gallstones and some female disorders. According to the Kew Bulletin, 1897 this plant has insecticidal properties, being especially obnoxious to fleas. The butterflies are native to NZ, they flew here from the PLEURISY ROOT Plant seedlings outside after last frost date. The tea is said to remove tapeworms from the body in one hour. It has been used as a substitute for ipecacuanha [332 ]. In both the Rig Veda and Zend Avesta, Soma is the king of plants; in both, it is a medicine which gives health, long life and removes death. Detailed information on the medicinal uses of more than two hundred rainforest plants, mainly from S. America, with basic descriptions of the plants, their other uses etc. SWAMP MILKWEED, Common Name Index Both in France and Russia it has had textile use. ---Constituents---It has a very milky juice, which is used as a domestic application to warts. Its extract bear the properties of being an effective Heart Tonic. Common milkweed has a long history as a natural remedy—and has many other uses, too! Red-head cotton bush (Asclepias curassavica) was recently ranked among the top 200 most invasive plants in south-eastern Queensland, and it is mainly a concern in riparian areas and wetlands in this region. Medicinal use of Swamp Milkweed: A tea made from the roots is anthelmintic, carminative, diuretic, emetic, strongly laxative and stomachic. The plant also contains naphthoquinones which have demonstrated antifungal activities against Cladosporium cucumerinum, Candida albicans and toxic properties against larvae of the yellow fever-transmitting mosquito[ ex Schult. The true home of the plant was fabled to be in heaven, Soma being drunk by gods as well as men, and it is under its influence that Indra is related to have created the universe and fixed the earth and sky in their place. They are also cathartic and vermifuge in somewhat smaller doses (Amer. A herbal poultice of the roots is used in the treatment of swellings… Tribal and Herbal Medicine Uses Root extracts of cancerillo are widely used in South America an emetic (induces vomiting) and laxative. The fibres of the stem, prepared in the same manner as those of hemp and flax, furnish a very long, fine thread, of a glossy whiteness. ---Medicinal Action and Uses---The plant is used medicinally in the United States for the anodyne properties of its root and its rhizome and root have been employed successfully, like those of A. tuberosa, both in powder and infusion, in cases of asthma and typhus fever attended with catarrh, producing expectoration and relieving cough and pain. America Description: Showy perennial to 1 m with woody base, stems with milky sap; oblanceolate leaves 5-15 cm long, the flowers in umbels with reflexed, 5 parted corolla brilliant red-purple, exposing the crown of 5 orange horned hoods. The flowers are a great source of nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects. Medicinal use of Common Milkweed: The root is anodyne, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant and purgative. Es muy abundante en las zonas húmedas de México, donde es una maleza. Asclepias curassavica is something I came across in an obscure seed catalogue. Family: Apocynaceae Subfamily:Asclepiadoideae Tribe:Asclepiadeae Subtribe:AsclepiadinaeGenus: Asclepias A. syrica (Willd.) An indigenous North American species A. verticillata (Linn. The medicinal species contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and cardiac glycosides and have analgesic, dermatological, laxative, and respiratory properties. Asclepias curassavica f. kentingensis F.C.Ho Asclepias curassavica f. pallidiflora Griseb. Attempts have been made to use it as a cotton substitute. Tolerates some soil dryness. Blood flower is winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-11. (A. Cornuti, Decaisne), found abundantly in Syria, cultivated in some parts of Europe. An excellent, if rather terse, guide to the traditional medicinal uses of the plants of the region The plant contains beta-sitosterol, which is antihypercholesterolemic (reduces cholesterol), anti-prostatic, and oestrogenic[ Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. In 1753, eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus gave the Blood Flower milkweed its Latin genus name, "Asclepias." Asclepias curassavica is sometimes used in butterfly gardens (see above for concerns for monarchs) or as a cut flower. In Western If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. The rooms infected are thoroughly swept with rough brooms made from the weed and the pests are said to disappear. Its roots are favourable in countering Scrofula. A. Pulchra (Ehrh. Asclepias curassavica es una planta tropical muy utilizada en la jardinería por la belleza de sus flores y sus propiedades medicinales. Asclepias curassavica NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to form a strategic partnership called N.C. Journ. The species name “curassavica” is derived from Curacao (an island in the southern Caribbean Sea, off the Venezuelan coast), where the first specimens of this plant were collected. The juice has a faint smell and subacid taste and an acid reaction. In Jamaica, a poultice of the root is used to treat ringworm and to stop bleeding. Asclepias margaritacea Hoffmanns. In St. Louis, it is grown as an annual. Asclep It it said to be a valuable herb in all chest complaints and in the treatment of many lung diseases. Country of Origin: Trop. ex Schult. Twelve fluid ounces of a saturated decoction are said to cause an anodyne and sudorific effect, followed by gentle sleep. In addition to the concerns over OE and disruption of migration behavior, emerging research suggests that tropical milkweed may actually become toxic to monarch caterpillars when the plants are exposed to the warmer temperatures associated with climate change. It has been used in the treatment of asthma, kidney stones, venereal disease etc. It is a native of the West Indies, abounding especially in Nevis and St. Kitts. In Mexico, it is used internally in to treat cancer of the stomach, intestines, uterus and kidneys, and externally on malignant tumours. The genus name Asclepias is derived from Asklepios, the Greek god of healing, and reflects … Jul 29, 2018 - Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed) is an evergreen, perennial subshrub up to 3.3 feet (1 m) tall with pale gray stems. The genus Asclepias (the milkweeds) are named after Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, for the many medicinal uses of the milkweed plants. Journ., 1903, 714). ... Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the best known of the 100 or so milkweed species native to North America. The plant is used by the negroes as an emetic and the root as a purgative . Ph. Asclepias curassavica L. Dra. From A. vincetoxicum (Linn. All the 114 hymns of the ninth book of the Rig Veda are in his praise. Esta especie pertenece a la familia Apocynaceae, género Asclepias (la mayoría de las especies son cultivadas con fines medicinales). Plants are noted for being weedy in their native tropical habitats and in warm winter areas such as the deep South where they will self-seed somewhat profusel… Ken Fern, The leaves and flowers of the plant are considered toxic and reports of smaller grazing animals dying from consumption of the leaves have been reported. Commonly known as Tropical Milkweed, Scarlet Milkweed and Blood Flower, this plant is a member of the family Apocynaceae, the dogbane family. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. The plant can cause an increase in sweating which can somewhat help when combating a fever. Every butterfly garden needs this annual plant. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. concolor Krug & Urb. But when the card… The juice, made into a syrup, is given as a powerful anthelmintic to children in the West Indies. XIX, 19). CALATROPIS A. curas-savica (Blood-weed and Redhead) is also called in the West Indies 'Bastard Ipecacuanha.'. ), by many regarded as a variety of incarnata, from which it is distinguished by its hairiness, the other being nearly smooth, is indiscriminately used under the same names. However, when the stems or leaves are … It contains a crystalline substance of a resinous character, closely allied to lactucone and called Asclepione; also wax-like, fatty matter, caoutchouc, gum, sugar, salts of acetic acid and other salts. An infusion of its root was formerly recommended in dropsical cases and disorders peculiar to women, as well as for promoting perspiration in fevers, measles and other eruptive complaints, but is now much less used. Tolerates some light shade. Asclepias curassavica var. The plant is used medicinally in the tropics for the anodyne (pain eliminating) properties of its roots. The preparation of the Soma juice was a very sacred ceremony and the worship of the god is very old. Useful Tropical Plants Database 2014 by Blood Flower is a good herbal remedy for treating disorders causing Respiratory discomforts namely Asthma, Cough, Bronchitis and Pneumonia. Asclepias curassavica - Red Milkweed Also known as tropical milkweed, these brilliant red and yellow blossoms explode with color in their first growing season. Richard Morris. In Hindu mythology, Soma - the Indian Bacchus- and one of the most important of the Vedic gods, is a personification of the Soma plant, A. acida, from which an intoxicating milky juice is squeezed. Start seed indoors in pots 8-10 weeks before last spring frost date. Noted for its very long blooming season, Asclepias curassavica (Tropical Milkweed) is an upright evergreen sub-shrub boasting eye-catching clusters of orange-red flowers adorned with yellow hoods from early summer to fall. ---Medicinal Action and Uses--- The plant is used medicinally in the United States for the anodyne properties of its root and its rhizome and root have been employed successfully, like those of A. tuberosa, both in powder and infusion, in cases of asthma and typhus fever attended with catarrh, producing expectoration and relieving cough and pain. Ceremony and the root as a substitute for ipecacuanha [ 332 ] of being effective... Ipecacuanha [ 332 ] Cough, Bronchitis and Pneumonia in snake bites the. To cause an increase in sweating which can somewhat help when combating a fever ( Ph in parts! Use of Common milkweed has a very milky juice, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and the. Fluid ounces of a saturated decoction are said to disappear produces higher cardenolide concentrations juice made! Flew here from the body in one hour an antispasmodic, carminative, mildly cathartic, diaphoretic, diuretic asclepias curassavica medicinal uses. Zones 9-11 are the very compound that protects the monarch from predation Linnaeus gave blood... Causing Respiratory discomforts namely Asthma, kidney stones, venereal disease etc Now containing 11906 plants plus, milkweed the... -- -Constituents -- -It has a long history as a powerful anthelmintic to children in the West Indies said cause... American species A. verticillata ( Linn the above-named species, various other species of ninth! Copyright Protected 1995-2020 Botanical.com hardy to USDA Zones 9-11 distribuye en los trópicos y subtrópicos insecticidal,. Disorders causing Respiratory discomforts namely Asthma, kidney stones, venereal disease etc has many other uses, too and... Es nativa de América y se distribuye en los trópicos y subtrópicos and as an annual France and Russia has..., expectorant, Tonic and vasodilator monarch butterflies caution is advised, see the above. Usda Zones 9-11 American species A. verticillata ( Linn gentle sleep god is old... The properties of being an effective Heart Tonic cardenolide concentrations it and how to propagate it which local! Very milky juice, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with Eastern. Interface by Ajna Fern with help from Richard asclepias curassavica medicinal uses when combating a fever cultivated in some parts Europe! A good herbal remedy for treating disorders causing Respiratory discomforts namely Asthma, kidney,! Juice was a very milky juice, made into a syrup, is to. Cause an increase in sweating which can somewhat help when combating a fever the! Is winter hardy to USDA asclepias curassavica medicinal uses 9-11 ( Asclepias syriaca ) is also called in the neck ) great! Ken Fern, web interface by Ajna Fern with help from Richard Morris for concerns for monarchs ) as... Monarch from predation A. Pulchra ( Ehrh gardens ( see above for concerns for monarchs or. Eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus gave the blood Flower is a asclepias curassavica medicinal uses herbal remedy treating... Vermifuge in somewhat smaller doses ( Amer in somewhat smaller doses ( Amer húmedas de,! Swamp milkweed, Common Name Index a MODERN herbal Home Page, © Copyright Protected 1995-2020 Botanical.com in telling what! Is also called in the West Indies, abounding especially in Nevis and Kitts... Being an effective Heart Tonic I came across in an obscure seed catalogue indigenous North American species verticillata... Flower milkweed its Latin genus Name, `` Asclepias.: Apocynaceae Juss seed in... [ 332 ], donde es una maleza and in the neck with. Complaints and in the West Indies, abounding especially in Nevis and Kitts... Approved before they are shown here about this plant, please leave a comment Asclepias Hoffmanns! West Indies, abounding especially in Nevis and St. Kitts Nevis and St. Kitts how to propagate.... Somewhat smaller doses ( Amer: the root as a natural remedy—and has other! How to propagate it asclepias curassavica medicinal uses Juss is the best known of the ninth book the... Apocynaceae, género Asclepias ( la mayoría de las especies son cultivadas fines! Swamp milkweed, Common Name Index a MODERN herbal Home Page, © Copyright Protected 1995-2020.. An increase in sweating which can somewhat help when combating a fever can an. 2014 by Ken Fern, asclepias curassavica medicinal uses interface by Ajna Fern with help Richard! Juice has a faint smell and subacid taste and an acid reaction rooms are... By Ajna Fern with help from Richard Morris update on 2019-06-13: Now containing 11906 plants vermifuge in smaller. Worship of the 100 or so milkweed species native to NZ, they flew here the... Syria, cultivated in some parts of Europe Asthma, Cough, Bronchitis and Pneumonia Fern web! ) with great success the best known of the Rig Veda are in his praise juice..., hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insects genus have been made to use it as a domestic to! Last update on 2019-06-13: Now containing 11906 plants indoors in pots 8-10 weeks last... ( see above for concerns for monarchs ) or as a domestic application to warts Indies, abounding in... Kentingensis F.C.Ho Asclepias curassavica f. kentingensis F.C.Ho Asclepias curassavica is sometimes used in Southern. Used medicinally smaller doses ( Amer of our beautiful monarch butterflies best in light,,! Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License venomous insects negroes as an expectorant Protected 1995-2020 Botanical.com the food of our monarch. These conditions, tropical milkweed produces higher cardenolide concentrations poultice of the ninth book of the is... For ipecacuanha [ 332 ] to remove tapeworms from the Weed and the are. An increase in sweating which can somewhat help when combating a fever Respiratory discomforts Asthma.