Background

• Gravel root is native to North America, growing from Canada to Florida and as far west as Texas. There are over 40 species, many of which are used in medicine.
• Native Americans are believed to have used gravel root to increase urination and sweating, prevent or treat kidney and bladder stones, or reduce fever. It has also been used to treat bladder inflammation, swelling of the urethra, joint problems, and arthritis.
• Use of gravel root is limited today due to a lack of scientific evidence.

References

1. Habtemariam, S. Antiinflammatory activity of the antirheumatic herbal drug, gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum): further biological activities and constituents. Phytother.Res. 2001;15(8):687-690. View Abstract
2. Habtemariam, S. Cistifolin, an integrin-dependent cell adhesion blocker from the anti-rheumatic herbal drug, gravel root (rhizome of Eupatorium purpureum). Planta Med. 1998;64(8):683-685. View Abstract
3. Tundis R, Loizzo MR, Statti GA, et al. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid profiles of the Senecio cineraria group (Asteraceae). Z.Naturforsch.C. 2007;62(7-8):467-472. View Abstract