Herb: Stone Root


Latin name: Collinsonia canadensis


Family: Labiatae



Medicinal use of Stone Root:

The whole plant, but especially the fresh root, is alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative, tonic, vasodilator and vulnerary. A tea made from the roots is strongly diuretic, it is valuable in the treatment of all complaints of the urinary system and the rectum and is used in the treatment of piles, indigestion, diarrhoea, kidney complaints etc. It has proved of benefit in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, mucous colitis and varicose veins. The root is seldom used on its own but is contained in remedies with other herbs, especially Aphanes arvensis, Eupatorium purpureum and Hydrangea arborescens. The roots contain more than 13,000 parts per million of rosmarinic acid, the same anti-oxidant that is found in rosemary. The fresh leaves are strongly emetic. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity. A poultice of the leaves or roots is applied to burns, bruises, sores, sprains etc.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
80 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
August


Scent:
Scented
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Rich damp woods.

Propagation of Stone Root:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can also be sown in the spring, though it might be slower to germinate. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame. Plant them out in spring or early summer of their second year. Division in spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Rich damp woods.

Known hazards of Collinsonia canadensis:

Minute doses of the fresh leaves can cause vomiting, though the root is well-tolerated by the body.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.