Overview

Pleurisy is a plant that grows throughout most of the U.S. The root is used as medicine.

Pleurisy root is used for coughs, swelling of the lining of the lungs (pleuritis), swelling of the air sacs in the lungs (pneumonitis), swelling of the airways (bronchitis), influenza, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using pleurisy root can also be unsafe.

How does it work ?

There isn't enough information to know how pleurisy root might work.

There isn't enough information to know how pleurisy root might work.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Cough.
  • Lung inflammation.
  • Bronchitis.
  • Influenza (flu).
  • Disorders of the uterus.
  • Pain.
  • Spasms.
  • Promoting sweating.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pleurisy root for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pleurisy root is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. It contains a chemical that is similar to the prescription drug digoxin (Lanoxin). It might cause serious heart problems. Pleurisy root can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and skin rash.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: It's UNSAFE to use pleurisy root if you are pregnant. Pleurisy root can stimulate the uterus and it can also act like the hormone estrogen. These effects can endanger the pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to use pleurisy root if you are breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Heart problems: Pleurisy root might interfere with medicines used to treat heart problems. Don't use pleurisy root if you have a heart condition.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Pleurisy root is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. It contains a chemical that is similar to the prescription drug digoxin (Lanoxin). It might cause serious heart problems. Pleurisy root can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and skin rash.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy: It's UNSAFE to use pleurisy root if you are pregnant. Pleurisy root can stimulate the uterus and it can also act like the hormone estrogen. These effects can endanger the pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to use pleurisy root if you are breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Heart problems: Pleurisy root might interfere with medicines used to treat heart problems. Don't use pleurisy root if you have a heart condition.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with PLEURISY ROOT

    Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Pleurisy root also seems to affect the heart. Taking pleurisy root along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects. Do not take pleurisy root if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Estrogens interacts with PLEURISY ROOT

    Large amounts of pleurisy root might have some of the same effects as estrogen. But pleurisy root isn't as strong as estrogen pills. Taking pleurisy root along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.

    Some estrogen pills include conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin), ethinyl estradiol, estradiol, and others.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with PLEURISY ROOT

    Pleurisy root might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart and increase the risk of side effects from pleurisy root.

    Some "water pills" that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hydrodiuril, Microzide), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of pleurisy root depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pleurisy root. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Next
View References

You Might Also Like

Preventing HIV: How PrEP Works
Explore Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Coverage
Navigating Life With Migraine
Alternative Treatments for Migraines
View More

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.