JOE PYE WEED
Eupatorium purpureum

Other Names: Queen of the Meadow, Gravelroot, Gravelwort, Kidney root, Purple boneset, Trumpet Weed

Habitat: Joe Pye Weed is a North American native perennial herb found in moist woods and meadows from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas. Cultivate from seed or root separation, with partial shade to full sun in rich alkaline soil. Growing to a height of about 12 ft. it makes a handsome addition to any garden or as a privacy border. The sturdy, hollow, purple stems are covered with whorls of 4 to 8 dark green, lance shaped, and serrated leaves, up to 1 foot long. Atop each stem is a rose pink to whitish domed cluster of flowers, about 1 foot in diameter, blooming in August and September. The root is woody, thick and purplish brown with cream colored flesh. Gather leaves anytime and entire plant in full bloom, dry for later use.

Properties: The whole plant, but especially the root, is astringent, diuretic, nervine and tonic. Plant constituents include quercetin, rutin, polysaccharides and euperfolin (stimulates the immune system), and a volatile essential oil. An infusion of the dried root and flowers is used as a diuretic tea to relieve kidney and urinary problems. An infusion is used to induce sweating and break a high fever. Other medicinal uses include cystitis, urethritis, prostate enlargement and other obstructions, painful urination, incontinence and impotence. Also useful in treating rheumatism and gout by increasing the removal of waste from the kidneys, gravel (gallstones) proven to dissolve kidney and gallstones, and for dropsy (fluid retention) said to have a tonic effect upon pregnant women. Crushed leaves have an apple scent and are dried then burned to repel flies.

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Folklore: The plant is named after an American Indian named Joe Pye, who was said to have cured typhus with it. Some Native American tribes still consider Joe Pye Weed to be an aphrodisiac.

TRY THESE RECIPES

Root tea: To 1 pint boiling water add 1 oz. dried rootstock steep for 30 min. take in ½ cup doses 4 or 5 times a day.

Flower tea: To 1 cup boiling water add 1 tsp. dried flowers steep for 10 min. drink 1 to 3 cups a day.