Gravel Root

Western Bulk Herbs – Gravel Root

Gravel root has been used to treat urinary problems including the kidney and bladder. It’s also been used to break a fever because it promotes sweating. Lately it’s been used in men’s health problems to treat an enlarged prostate. Native Americans used it during pregnancy and after but it has not been tested in modern times, so it’s not recommended to use while pregnant.

Latin Name:
Eupatorium purpureum

Common Names:
Gravelweed, Joe-Pye Weed, Kidney Root, Queen-of-the-Meadow Root, Kidney Root, Purple Boneset, and Trumpet Weed.

Parts Used:
Root

Properties:
Diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge.

Traditional Uses:
As tea, in capsules or a tincture.

Topical Uses / Applications:

Culinary Uses:
Not used in cooking.

Folk Lore:
The Native Indians called a decoction of gravel root “little medicine water” due to its healing properties. They used it to ease kidney stones and relieve gout and rheumatism inflammation. They also used it for constipation and washing wounds plus use a strong tea of the roots for infections. They used it during pregnancy and after child birth due to its healing properties.

Gravel root is considered a good luck charm. Gamblers used to carry a part of the plant with them. Folk lore also shows gravel root was used to attract the opposite sex. Just hold a leaf inside your cheek and you will be well received. It also one of the main ingredients of a mojo bag.

Chemical Properties:
Volatile oils

Cautions:
Not recommended during pregnancy nor is it recommended to take for long periods of time. Gravel root contains Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Resources:
PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2000. Medical Economics Company, Montvale, New Jersey.

The New Holistic Herbal. David Hoffmann, 1990. Barnes and Noble Books, New York.

A Modern Herbal, Mrs. M. Grieve, (Dover Publications, New York, 1971)

Major Herbs of Ayurvedic.Compiled by Dahur Research Foundation and Dahur Ayurvet Limited, Ghaziabad, India., 2002. Churchill Livingstone, London, England.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, Third Edition, Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble, 1986. Eastland Press, Seattle, WA.