gravel root

Latin Name Eupatorium purpureum

Other Names Qeen of the meadow, Joe Pye weed, Trumpet-weed, Gravel-weed, Gravel-root, Joe-pie, Purple boneset.

Part Used root

Description Queen of the meadow has diuretic, subastringent, stimulant, tonic, and antilithic properties. It has a specific action upon the renal tract, increasing both the fluid and solid constituents of the urine. As its influence upon the stomach is good, it may be used for a great length of time without ill results. While a fairly good remedy in some forms of dyspepsia, and chronic mucous diseases of the gastro-intestinal tract, its chief value lies in its efficiency in many disorders of the urino-genital passages. That it is a very valuable remedy in urinary calculi and gravel is admitted by many who can not believe that it has the power to dissolve the concretions. That it is serviceable is probably due to its control over vesical irritation, while, by its diuretic action, it may prevent the formation of these bodies. Gravel-root is a superior remedy for many painful and irritable states of the urinary tract. Difficult and painful micturition, with frequent desire to urinate, the passage seemingly being obstructed, is an indication for this drug. It is indicated also by pain and weight in the loins, extending to the bladder, with the scanty voiding of high-colored urine, or when mixed with blood or solids.