Stone Root

Collinsonia canadensis

Horse Balm Ox Balm Richweed Stoneroot Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Collection and harvesting Combinations

Stone root - a perennial herb growing up to 4 feet tall, with a single, erect, square stem. Oval, toothed leaves grow in opposite pairs along the stem, which culminates in a cone-shaped, branched cluster of small, tubular, light yellow flowers (July-September). The flowers have a strong lemony smell.

A strong lemon fragrance, which has earned stone root the common name richweed, is the most conspicuous feature of this native American member of the mint family. Its leaves and rhizome (underground stem) were brewed to make medicinal teas and washes, or lotions, for cuts and wounds by generations of American Indians and pioneering white settlers in the mountains of Virginia, the Carolinas, Kentucky, and Tennessee. As with many plants, the different names provide important background. The name stone root refers either to the plant's knobby, stone-hard rhizome or to the mountaineers' use of a tea brewed from the rhizome as a diuretic in the treatment of an affliction known as the stone-possibly kidney or bladder stone. The names with "horse" and "ox" refer to the species' large size.

American Indians and white settlers treated wounds with stone root preparations, which they applied externally as a poultice or wash. The tea brewed from the rhizome served not only as a diuretic - as in the treatment of the "stone" - but also as a general tonic, a headache remedy, and a laxative.

PARTS USED

Root, rhizome, leaves.

USES

Diuretic and tonic, stone root is chiefly employed in the treatment of kidney stones. Stone root is also prescribed to counteract fluid retention. Stone root has been used to reduce back pressure in the veins, which in turn helps prevent the formation or worsening of hemorrhoids and varicose veins. As an astringent, stone root contracts the inner lining of the intestines, and can be helpful in treating digestive system disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and mucous colitis. The fresh leaves or roots of stone root are used as a poultice for bruises, cuts, and sores.

A tea brewed from the rhizome of stone root once served as a tonic and diuretic and as a household remedy for headaches and constipation.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Stone root is native to moist woodlands of eastern North America. The root is dug up in autumn.

CONSTITUENTS

Stone root contains volatile oil, tannins, and saponins.

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Decoction: put 1-3 teaspoonfuls of the dried root in a cup of water, bring to the boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day.
Tincture: take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

COLLECTION AND HARVESTING

Roots and rhizome of stone root are unearthed in the autumn.

COMBINATIONS

For urinary stone and gravel, stone root may be combined with parsley piert, gravel root, pellitory of the wall or hydrangea.