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Desert Milkweed          

Asclepias subulata

Rush milkweed, Leafless milkweed

Asclepiadaceae – Milkweed family

Description

Desert milkweed is a large, 4-6 foot tall, clump-forming perennial.  Its greenish-white stems are rush-like, slender, and form in numerous clusters that rise up from a central root crown.  Its leaves, which are small and thread-like, are ½-1 inch long and usually fall away quickly in response to drought or cold temperatures.  The light yellow flowers form in umbels at the branch ends and have a typical milkweed structure: 5 united sepals and 5 petals, which generally appear dumb-bell like.  The seedpods are 2-3 inches long by a ½-inch wide and upon opening release densely tufted seeds to the wind.  When any part of the fresh plant is broken, a white-milky sap exudes from the wound.  The form of Desert milkweed’s roots change in relationship to the types of soil it is found in.  The plant, in fine, sandy soils often has one main taproot reaching depths of 3-4 feet.  Roots with secondary rhizomes that are more tortuous occur in soils that are composed of gravel and larger sediments. 

Distribution

From nearly sea level to 2,500 feet Asclepias subulata is found from Clark County, Nevada, south along the Colorado and Gila River Basins in Arizona, to lower portions of the California Deserts.  The plant is commonly found next to washes, sandy and gravely plains, and on dry, rocky slopes.  Desert milkweed is cold sensitive, a factor that limits its range in more northerly locations.

Chemistry

At least three cardenolide-type cardiac glycosides; lignan: lariciresinol

Medicinal Uses

The medicinal qualities of all Milkweeds tend to have more similarities than differences.  They largely differ in the extent to which they stimulate the heart.  Desert milkweed and other closely related species that are chemically or structurally similar, such as Asclepias erosa, A. albicans, and A. linaria, are known to have high cardiac glycoside contents.  Desert milkweed will affect the heart more profoundly than other commonly used Milkweeds, i.e. Pleurisy root (A. tuberosa) and Antelope horns.  Think of this plant as Antelope horns plus more “heart”.  Unlike Antelope horns, the plant does not have a coherent history of traditional use, or at least one that has been recorded or revealed.  The plant’s lung and skin affecting attributes are predictable, its effects on the heart, uterus, and intestines less so.  For a general overview of medicinal uses and indications, see Antelope horns.

Collection

Gather the roots in the fall or winter.  Sandy soils will make digging easier, but that luxury is not always available.  Pick a large, robust plant.  Dig a hole to one side of it, 1 foot or so out and 1-2 feet deep.  Slowly work in to the main root mass; as you do collect any secondary rhizomes you encounter.  When the main root mass is reached take a pound or two while being as gentle as possible as not to disturb the entire root complex.

The latex of Desert milkweed can be harvested by chopping ½-inch sections of the stems off starting at the top of the plant.  After several minutes, the latex will harden.  Scrape it off with a razor blade or knife; chop another piece off from the same branch ½-inch lower, repeat.  Like harvesting Wild lettuce latex, the process is time consuming, but all good things come with time and hard work.  For the plant’s sake do not denude all of its stems, leave at least half for flower growth and reproduction.  After drying to a glue-like consistency, the latex can be tinctured or rolled into pellets and swallowed.

Preparations

Clean the roots well of any debris and embedded stones.  Chop them into ¼-½ inch pieces.  Dry, then store.  After a year, the root oils tend to oxidize.  Use within this time.

Dosage

DPT: (50% alcohol) 5-20 drops 3 times daily

Fluidextract: 5-10 drops 3 times daily

Latex tincture: (50% alcohol) 5-20 drops 3 times daily

Latex pellets or ‘00’ capsules: 1-2, 3 times daily

Cautions

Same as Antelope horns, but place more awareness on heart interactions.

Copyright © 2006 by Charles W. Kane

This and additional profiles are found in Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest