Stone Root - Horse Balm, Richweed

Collinsonia canadensis

Physical Characteristics

Collinsonia canadensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Ontario and Vermont to Florida, west to Wisconsin.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Diuretic Sedative Tonic Urinary Vasodilator Vulnerary The whole plant, but especially the fresh root, is alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative, tonic, vasodilator and vulnerary[4, 21, 46, 102, 165]. A tea made from the roots is strongly diuretic, it is valuable in the treatment of all complaints of the urinary system and the rectum and is used in the treatment of piles, indigestion, diarrhoea, kidney complaints etc[4, 222]. It has proved of benefit in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, mucous colitis and varicose veins[254]. The root is seldom used on its own but is contained in remedies with other herbs, especially Aphanes arvensis, Eupatorium purpureum and Hydrangea arborescens[238]. The roots contain more than 13,000 parts per million of rosmarinic acid, the same anti-oxidant that is found in rosemary[222]. The fresh leaves are strongly emetic[222]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity[222]. A poultice of the leaves or roots is applied to burns, bruises, sores, sprains etc[4, 222, 254].

Known Hazards

Minute doses of the fresh leaves can cause vomiting[222], though the root is well-tolerated by the body[238]. Possible blood pressure elevation [301].