Stone Root (Collinsonia), (Collinsonia canadensis) Powder Bulk

Family

Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Etymology

Collinsonia is named after British botanist and merchant Peter Collinson (1693-1768). The root is very hard, hence the folk name Stoneroot.

Range of Appearance

Collinsonia is a perennial, native to North America, that grows in shady, damp areas. Its square stems can grow from 2 to 4 feet in height. The large leaves are few, opposite, serrated, and ovate, with the lower ones being petiolate and the upper ones almost sessile. The flowers are greenish yellow, arranged in a terminal raceme, with a funnel-shaped corolla. The flowers have a pungent balsamic, lemonlike odor.

Parts Used

Rhizome

Physiological Effects

Alterative, astringent, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, hepatic, sedative, stimulant, tonic, vasoconstricter, vulnerary

Medicinal Uses

Collinsonia works primarily on the venous system, helping to move congestion from the mouth, throat, lungs, bowel, anus, and mucous membranes. It also helps relieve irritation to the nerves and stimulates digestive secretions. It is used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy, bladder stones, bronchitis, catarrh, constipation, diarrhea, dropsy, gallstones, gastritis, headache, hemorrhoids, indigestion, interstitial cystitis, laryngitis, leukorrhea, kidney stones, pharyngitis, and varicose veins. Topically, collinsonia can be used as a wash or compress to treat bruises, burns, poison ivy/oak, sprains, and wounds. A liniment of collinsonia can be applied directly to spider veins and varicose veins to decrease swelling and strengthen the tissues. It can be used as a gargle to relieve sore throat and as a salve to relieve hemorrhoids. Note: Avoid boiling the root, or else the plant's medicinal properties will be diminished. The root is very hard, so if you're going to grind it, proceed with caution or you might break your grinding equipment.

Culinary Uses

Not generally regarded as edible, aside from as tea.

Other Uses

None reported.

Constituents

Flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, rosmarinic acid, essential oil, tannin, resin, starch

Contraindications

Avoid during pregnancy. Beware the aboveground portion of the plant, which can be emetic even in small amounts.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

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