Description :
Gravel Root is a large, herbaceous perennial plant that grows to between 5 an 8 feet tall. The plant has a shallow, fibrous root system and upright, round stems with concentric circles of leaves at each node. The central stem is smooth and light green in color, except where the concentric circles of leaves occur, where the stem swells and becomes purple in color. Gravel Root leaves are about 6 inches long and 3½ inches across. They are shaped like a spear head with serrations along the edges. Each leaf is dull green and hairless on top and pale green on the bottom. Tiny pinkish-purple flowers bloom in clusters in mid-summer to early fall. Each cluster typically has 5 to 7 florets. The flowers are very attractive to butterflies. The flowers give way to attractive seed heads which persist well into winter. Gravel root is normally tinctured in alcohol. This plant was commonly used by American Indians to help strengthen the kidneys, reduce uric acid, and dissolve bladder stones.
History and Folklore:
Gravel Root has been a mainstay herb of the early Native American tribes who used it to fight typhoid fever. One story says that tucking a bit of Gravel Root in your cheek would help your words be well received by the opposite sex. A red dye can be made from the seeds.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the roots in the fall. Cut them into small pieces and allow them to dry.
Precautions:
Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Not for use with children. If you have liver disease it should not be taken long term.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Antilithic, Astringent, Diuretic
Other Names:
Green stemmed joe pye weed, Joe pye, Joe pye weed, Marsh milkweed, Purple Joe pye weed, Purple Boneset, Queen of the meadow, Sweet joe pye weed, bluestem, sweet scented joe pye weed, trumpet weed, gravel weed and Jopi weed
Ingredients: Gravel Root (Eupatorium purpureum)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Hunter –
carlaraejeannette (verified owner) –
Having success reducing the size of kidney stones with this tincture