Plant Profile: Gravel Root

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Gravel Root
(Eupatorium purpureum; E. fistulosum; E. maculatum)

Family: ASTERACEAE

Energetics: Slightly Cooling to neutral

Taste: Bitter. Pungent

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Bladder. Kidneys. Uterus. Stomach. Liver

Parts Used: Rhizome

Key Components: Resins. Flavonoids. Saponins. Tannins. Volatile Oils. Calcium oxalate. 

Preparations & dosage: Standard Decoction. Tincture. 

Actions:

 Foundational: Stimulant. Tonic. Astringent
Primary: Nervine. Diuretic. Carminative.
Secondary: Antiseptic. Lithotriptic. 

Uses: 

  • Dissolves & breaks up gravel & stones in the kidneys & bladder. 
  • Gallstones.
  • Opens elimination pathways which helps to reduce pain as stones are passed. 
  • The above helps protect tissues & reduces scarring and inflammation. 
  • Frequent urination.
  • Nighttime urination. 
  • Especially good for chronic urinary issues. 
  • Strengthens the nerves of the urinary organs.
  • Can be beneficial in Type 2 Diabetes preserve the kidneys and help improve uptake of sugar in the cells as well as to prevent putrefaction. 
  • Removes toxic mineral build up in joints and other small capsule spaces that could be causing pain in joints and limiting movement. 
  • Deterioration of hip joints because the circulation here is less than in most other joints. 
  • Has been used to prevent miscarriage in the 1st trimester.
  • Has equally been helpful to help prepare the body for labor.
  • Crohn's disease. Has been used where the disease is in the last phase with abscess and pus. 
  • Peritonitis even in the presence of pus and putrescence.
  • Strains, Sprains.
  • Pulled ligaments & tendons.
  • Can release frozen joints.


Combines well with: 
For Passing Kidney Stones: Hydrangea & smartweed in a hot decoction.

Identifying: Found in eastern North America, in low meadows, swamps & waterways. Likes gravely soil. Intersections of water & land. 

Growing:
Harvesting:

Contraindications: 
Sources: 
The Herbal Apothecary: JJ Pursell Pg 109-110
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 141-142
Earthwise Herbal: Matthew Wood. Pg 153-157

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