- Region
- North America
- Origin
- Moist deciduous woods of eastern North America
- Traditions
- Cherokee medicine, Haudenosaunee medicine
North America · Herb · № 953
Collinsonia canadensis
Herb · North America
Stoneroot
Collinsonia canadensis
A perennial of the mint family with lemon-scented leaves and a very hard, knobbly root. Eclectic physicians used it for piles and varicose veins; research is lacking.
Safety notes
Not in pregnancy. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine: Not in pregnancy.
Preparation
The root as a decoction; also as a bath.
Use in traditions
According to the notes in Herrick, the Haudenosaunee use the root for rheumatism, for bloody diarrhoea and to strengthen listless children; babies were bathed in it. A Seneca told Fenton in 1939 that it was 'one of the main roots' Dr Pierce in Buffalo bought.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) medicine
Attributed effects
For rheumatism, bloody diarrhoea and to strengthen listless children.
Preparation and amount
Boil the root; drink it, or bathe the child in it.
Caution: Not in pregnancy.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionSteam and bath