Gravel Root

Other Names: Eupatoriadelphus purpureus, Eupatorium purpureum, Herbe de Joe Pye, Joe Pye, Joe-Pye Weed, Kidney Root, Purple Boneset, Queen of the Meadow, Raíz de Eupatorio, Roter Wasserhanf, Trumpet Weed.
Gravel root is an herb. The bulb, root, and parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Special Precautions of Gravel Root

• There’s a lot of concern about using gravel root as medicine, because it contains chemicals called hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which may block blood flow in the veins and cause liver damage. Hepatotoxic PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. Gravel root preparations that are not certified and labeled “hepatotoxic PA-free” are considered UNSAFE.
• It’s also UNSAFE to apply gravel root to broken skin. The dangerous chemicals in gravel root can be absorbed quickly through broken skin and can lead to dangerous body-wide toxicity. Steer clear of skin products that aren’t certified and labeled “hepatotoxic PA-free.”
• There isn’t enough information to know if it’s safe to apply gravel root to unbroken skin. It’s best to avoid use.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It’s UNSAFE to use gravel root preparations that might contain hepatotoxic PAs during pregnancy. These products might cause birth defects and liver damage.
• It’s also UNSAFE to use gravel root preparations that might contain hepatotoxic PAs if you are breast-feeding. These chemicals can pass into breast-milk and might harm the nursing infant.
• It’s not known whether products that are certified hepatotoxic PA-free are safe to use during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Stay in the safe side and avoid using any gravel root preparation if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Gravel root may cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking gravel root.
• Liver disease: There is concern that the hepatotoxic PAs in gravel root might make liver disease worse.
• Lithium interacts with Gravel Root
• Medications that increase break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers) interacts with Gravel Root

Benefits and uses of Gravel Root are

Despite serious safety concerns, gravel root is used for urinary tract problems such as urinary or kidney stones; infections of the bladder, urethra, and prostate; and painful urination. It has a long history of use by Native Americans and early American colonists for promoting kidney and urinary health. Its effectiveness may be partly due to its euparin content — a solvent with potent activity against harmful organisms

• Urinary and kidney stones.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Arthritis-like pain.
• Gout.
• Fever.