Stone Root
Collinsonia canadensis
PLANT NAME
Stone Root
COMMON NAMES
Richweed, Horsebalm, Ox-Balm, Citronella.
BOTANICAL NAME
Collinsonia canadensis
IDENTIFICATION
A tall perennial herb in the mint family with large, opposite, toothed leaves that smell slightly of lemon or citronella. It produces panicles of small, pale yellow, fringed flowers in late summer. It has an incredibly hard, woody, knotty rootstock.
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Fresh or dried root and sometimes leaves.
CULINARY USES
Not typically used for culinary purposes.
TRADITIONAL USES
An important Eclectic and Native American remedy primarily used as a venous tonic for hemorrhoids and varicose veins. Also used as a diuretic to help pass kidney stones (hence the name), and for relaxed throat conditions ("minister's sore throat").
GROWING / HARVESTING
Native to rich, moist deciduous forests in eastern North America. The notoriously hard roots are harvested in autumn and are best chopped while still fresh before they dry completely solid.
SAFETY / CAUTION
Generally considered safe, but may cause gastrointestinal upset in large doses. Always consult your doctor before using this or any herbal remedy.
RELATED PLANTS
Other members of the Lamiaceae (Mint) family.