Stone Root

July 9th, 2008

Botanical Name: Collinsonia Canadensis (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Labiatae

Common Names: Collinsonia, Hardhack, horseweed, knob grass, knob root, richweed
Synonyms: Horseweed. Richweed. Richleaf. Knob-Root. Knobweed. Horsebalm. Hardback. Heal-all. Oxbalm. Knot-Root. Baume de Cheval. Guérit-tout.
Parts Used: Whole plant, fresh root .
Habitat: Native to the moist woodlands of North America, from Canada to the Carolinas.

Description:Stoneroot is a perennial herb, growing to about three feet, having a square stem, oval leaves, and clusters of greenish-yellow flowers. The plant is strongly and unpleasantly aromatic and numbing in large amounts. The root is unearthed in autumn.

. It grows in moist woods and flowers from July to September. The rhizome is brown-grey, about 4 inches long, knobby, and very hard. The whole plant has a strong, disagreeable odour and a pungent and spicy taste. The chief virtue of the plant is in the root, which should always be used fresh. The name is derived from its discoverer, Peter Collinson.

History
The rhizomes and dried roots have long been used to treat kidney and bladder problems and gastrointestinal disorders.The Iroquois used the leaves in a poultice to relieve headaches while the Cherokee made a deoderant with the flowers.

Constituents: In the root there is resin, starch, mucilage and wax. In the leaves, resin, tannin, wax and volatile oil. The alkaloid discovered in the root appears to be a magnesium salt.

Key Components:
* volatile oil
* caffeic acid derivatives (including rosmaric acid)
* tannins
* saponins

Medicinal Action and Uses: Sedative, antispasmodic, astringent, tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic.
Stone Root is used mainly in the treatment and prevention of stone and gravel in the urinary system and the gall-bladder.
A decoction of the fresh root has been given in catarrh of the bladder, leucorrhcea, gravel and dropsy. It is largely used by American veterinary surgeons as a diuretic. It is valuable in all complaints of urinary organs and rectum, and is best combined with other drugs.

It can be used externally, especially the leaves, for poultices and fomentations, bruises, wounds, sores, cuts, etc., and also as a gargle, in the strength of 1 part of fluid extract to 3 of water.

Preparations and Dosages: Of fluid extract, 15 to 60 drops. Of Collinsonin, 2 to 4 grains.
You may click to see use of Stone Root in Different Diseases.……………..(1)…….(2)
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/stoner92.html
http://www.starwest-botanicals.com/product/1-stone-root-cs.html
http://www.innvista.com/health/herbs/stoneroo.htm