Alternative names: Kidney Root, Trumpet Weed, Gravel Weed, Joe Pye Weed, Jopi Weed, Hempweed, Queen of the Meadow Root, Purple Boneset, Tall Boneset.
Gravel Root is used primarily for kidney stones or gravel. In urinary infections, such as cystitis and urethritis, Gravel Root is said to be quite beneficial.
Gravel Root is native to the New World and has been used by Native American healers for centuries. Gravel Root has been used for kidney-related trouble, such as kidney stones and urinary infections, for centuries. It was used to treat typhus and other ailments by the Native Americans and early settlers and is still considered a safe and effective diuretic.
Gravel root was used by the native North American Indians as a diaphoretic to induce perspiration and break a fever. The plant was quickly adopted by the white settlers and still finds a use in modern herbalism.
The leaves and flowering stems are harvested in the summer before the buds open and are dried for later use. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
Gravel Root exhibits diuretic, antilithic and antirheumatic properties. The whole plant, but especially the root, is astringent, diuretic, nervine and tonic. It works particularly on the genitourinary system and the uterus and is especially valuable as a diuretic and stimulant, as well as an astringent tonic.
A tea made from the roots and leaves has been used to eliminate stones from the urinary tract, to treat urinary incontinence in children, cystitis, urethritis, impotence and other conditions. A Dr. Ellingwood, writing in the early 20th century, considered it to have the following symptomatology:
"Irritation of the bladder in women from displacement and chronic inflammation of the uterus; and suppression of urine, partial or complete, during or after pregnancy."
He recommended Gravel Root in the following conditions: dropsy, strangury, gravel, hematuria, disease of the kidney and bladder from an excess of uric acid, chronic endometriosis, leukorrhea, chronic uterine disease, threatened abortion, ovarian and uterine atony, dysmenorrhea, dysuria, constant desire to urinate, intermittent fever and severe bone pains. For kidney stones or gravel, Gravel Root combines well with Hydrangea.
Gravel Root is also said to be helpful in treating rheumatism and gout by increasing the removal of waste from the kidneys.
Recommended Dosage: Take two 600mg capsules, one to two times each day with water at mealtimes. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Gravel Root should not be used in conjunction with prescription medications, and it should not be taken by persons with current or past liver disease.
Gravel root is used primarily for kidney stones or gravel.