Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Asclepias cordifolia, commonly known as heartleaf milkweed, has a history of traditional use among some Indigenous peoples of North America, particularly for treating bites and stings. Ethnobotanical sources indicate that certain Native American groups utilized the plant’s latex or preparations of the leaves as a topical application for various skin afflictions, including insect stings, spider bites, and similar conditions. However, there is a lack of detail regarding its specific efficacy or standardization of use, and the practice appears to be localized rather than widespread.

From a scientific perspective, there is no robust evidence to support the effectiveness or safety of Asclepias cordifolia for bites and stings. No controlled clinical studies or pharmacological investigations have confirmed its activity for this purpose, and the plant contains cardenolides (cardiac glycosides), which are potentially toxic. The evidence for its use in this context is therefore rated low (1/5), based solely on traditional anecdotal practice rather than scientific validation. Modern medical guidance does not recommend its use for bites or stings, and caution is advised due to the plant’s toxic constituents.

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