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Milk Weed
Family:
Asclepiadaceae |
Latin Name:
Asclepias syriaca |
Description
Common milkweed is a thick-stemmed, unbranched, upright herb that grows 3-5 feet tall. It contains a bitter, white, sticky latex or milk as a protection against insects.
Common Uses
Milkweed is used for colds, coughs, arthritis aggravated by the cold, threatened inflammation of the lungs, asthma, bronchitis, female disorders, diarrhea, and gastric mucus. The milky sap is used topically, fresh or dried, to reduce warts.
History
Native Americans have long used milkweed for a variety of ailments. A root tea was taken for the cure of dropsy, dysentery, and asthma. The Natchez utilized a root decoction for kidney trouble, including Bright's disease. It was used in the treatment of syphilis as well.
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