Witnessed by: Western
Gravel root (Eutrochium purpureum), of the Asteraceae family. Stately perennial to two metres, with whorled leaves and domed heads of dusky-pink florets; native range: damp woodland, thickets and meadows of eastern North America. Globally recognized as Joe Pye weed, queen of the meadow, kidney root, trumpet weed in English. The part used is rhizome and root. Hard greyish root with a faint aromatic scent and a bitter, slightly astringent taste.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
GRAVEL ROOT
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- gravel root
- Scientific name
- Eutrochium purpureum (L.) E.E.Lamont
- Family
- Asteraceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome and root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- Western
- bitter · astringent
Temperature
- Western
- warm (and drying)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- Western
- kidneys · bladder · uterus · joints
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- Western
- diuretic, lithotriptic, anti-rheumatic, mild astringent, uterine tonic
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in pregnancy; caution in allergy to the daisy family
- Toxicity
- low at therapeutic dose; contains trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so prolonged high-dose use is discouraged
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