pleurisy root

American  

noun

1. a North American milkweed, Asclepias tuberosa, whose root was used as a remedy for pleurisy.

2. the root.

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pleurisy root British  

noun

1. the root of the butterfly weed, formerly used as a cure for pleurisy

2. another name for butterfly weed

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Etymology

Origin of pleurisy root

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

The form in which we generally prescribe it is,— Powdered pleurisy root, half a table-spoonful.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George

To allay the irritation of the bowels, give the following:— Powdered pleurisy root, 1 tea-spoonful.

From The American Reformed Cattle Doctor by Dadd, George

Following is good for diarrhea and dysentery: Tincture pleurisy root two ounces, brandy one ounce, syrup of raspberry three ounces.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

This flower has a variety of names: it is called pleurisy root, and wind root, and orange root.

From The Library of Work and Play: Gardening and Farming. by Shaw, Ellen Eddy

When they came to the large beds of orange pleurisy root the Girl cried out with pleasure.

From The Harvester by Stratton-Porter, Gene