Magical Milkweed

Magical Milkweed

We had a Monarch butterfly siting recently.  It brought up how the species is endangered, and how milkweed is an important source of food for the beautiful butterfly.  Then came the question, does milkweed have usage for humans?  Good question.  After doing a bit of research, here is what I found.

An unassuming wildflower found across North America, milkweed (genus Asclepias) is a plant of paradoxes. Its name derives from the milky white latex sap it produces, a substance that is both a historical folk remedy for skin ailments and a potent toxin to most animals. Yet, this very toxicity has forged an unbreakable and life-giving bond with one of the continent's most iconic insects: the monarch butterfly. This critical relationship is a powerful reminder of how conservation and traditional knowledge can intertwine, highlighting the importance of this plant not just for pollinators, but also for human history and ecological balance.

Throughout history, various Indigenous peoples of North America and early European settlers utilized milkweed for a variety of medicinal purposes. Among the most documented was its topical application for certain skin conditions. The thick, white latex was traditionally applied directly to warts, ringworm, and other benign skin growths. The rationale behind this use is rooted in folk medicine and observation. The caustic nature of the sap was believed to help "burn" away or break down the affected tissue over time.

Beyond its use for warts, historical records document milkweed's application for other skin issues. Poultices made from crushed leaves or roots were used to treat minor sores, snakebites, and dry or flaky skin. For instance, some Native American tribes used milkweed sap for cuts and as an external remedy for ailments like rheumatism. Some modern topical creams, while not evaluated by the FDA, are still sold today that contain milkweed sap for addressing sun-damaged and other unwanted skin conditions.

In 2011, a study on Euphorbia peplus, a different species commonly called petty spurge or milkweed, which suggested its sap might help cure certain types of non-melanoma skin cancer. However, this study did not involve the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and highlights the critical need for proper plant identification and scientific validation before considering any herbal treatment.

The Monarch's dependence on milkweed has become a major conservation issue. Decades of habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, urbanization, and the widespread use of herbicides have decimated milkweed populations across North America. As milkweed has disappeared, so have the monarchs, with populations dropping by as much as 90% in recent decades. This has put the migratory monarch at risk of extinction, leading to proposed protections under the Endangered Species Act in the United States.

The call to action: Planting for the future

Restoring milkweed habitat has emerged as a critical strategy in Monarch conservation. Individuals can make a significant difference by planting native milkweed in their gardens, yards, and other available green spaces.

• Plant native species: It is vital to plant Milkweed species that are native to your specific region. Tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) is not native to most of the U.S. and can disrupt the monarch's natural migratory patterns, increase disease transmission, and negatively impact their survival. Native species, such as common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), are the best choices for supporting local monarch populations.

• Create a monarch waystation: Creating a "monarch waystation" is a popular conservation effort. This involves planting not only milkweed for the caterpillars but also a variety of nectar-rich native flowers that bloom throughout the season to provide fuel for adult monarchs and other pollinators.

• Avoid pesticides: Systemic pesticides, particularly neonicotinoids, can harm monarchs and other beneficial insects. Avoiding these chemicals is crucial for creating a safe habitat.

• Support broader efforts: Organizations like the National Wildlife Federation, the Monarch Joint Venture, and Monarch Watch provide resources and guidance for creating monarch habitats and advocate for wider conservation efforts.

By planting milkweed, a person not only nurtures a vital part of the monarch's life cycle but also participates in a larger movement to restore native ecosystems. It’s an act that honors both the plant's storied past and its essential role in securing the future of the iconic Monarch butterfly. The unassuming milkweed, with its potent sap and delicate flowers, stands as a symbol of nature's interconnectedness and the profound impact that a single species can have on an entire ecosystem.  And it has a medicinal usefulness to the human species, too.  I would say that is quite a magical plant.