Joe Pye, Queen of The Meadow.

     Around the end of July to the beginning of August, this herb stretches tall as it blooms. You might see it along the roads and in the fields. Known partly for the fact that butterflies are attracted to it for food, it is rather quite beautiful and indeed the "Queen of the Meadow". 

     The first time that I became curious of this beautiful plant was about a year ago. I had spent the night at a house of some of my friends as I was babysitting for them. While playing with their daughter the evening before, I snagged a picture of this herb. The next day, after learning a little on how to care for quail my ride picked me and I looked this herb up. It's time I do a post on it!
  
     The woody stem grows from about five to six feet tall. Some of them stand taller than me with my height being 5'3". Leaves spiral around it from the base up to the flowers. The flowers are like tubes, and are purplish-pink. Eutrochium purpureum is its latin binomial, but it has a number of common names: Joe Pye, gravel root, kidney root, boneset, and snakeroot. Interesting stories fall behind some of these names including the latin binomial. Formerly known as Eupatorium purpureum, it is said that "Eupatorium" comes from a Greek king named Mithridates Eupator who discovered it to be an antidote for a poison. The name Joe Pye may come from the name of a native American who used this herb as remedy for fevers. The native Americans also used this herb as a poultice for the repair of broken bones, hence the name boneset. 
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     Today, this herb has shown itself to be a stimulant, diuretic, and tonic. Being soluble in heat and semi-soluble in cold alcohol, the constituents may be extracted in a tincture. It is not soluble in water. Being a stimulant, it can help purify your system. Those who have urinary tract problems, such as cloudy urine, frequent urination, burning sensations, and such may benefit from this herb. This herb may also be used for control of bloating. This herb helps the break down and removal of kidney stones and gull bladder stones.

     Individuals who suffer from catarrh, whooping cough, and asthma could possibly benefit from Eutrochium purpureum. These conditions are from mucus in areas such as the bronchi of the lungs. The stimulant abilities of the constituents of this herb are known for helping rid this problem. 
 
     There are a few contraindications with this herb. Pregnant and nursing women should use caution if thinking about using this herb. It is best to consult with a doctor prior to use. Also, this herb contains hepatotoxic PA, which could be harmful to your liver and even possibly cause birth defects. So use with caution, but there are products of this herb that are labeled "hepatotoxic PA-free". 
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     Today, I traveled along my creek taking pictures of this herb. The wind picked up and they started to sway. Some dropped low to touch the water. As the rain began to fall gently, some of the droplets fell off of the Joe Pye and onto me. It was just God, me, and the herbs - no butterflies or other people in sight. 

    When you see this herb, enjoy it as I do. Whether you use this herb or you just enjoy the beauty of the butterflies sipping its sweet nectar, enjoy this herb as medicine for the body and the soul. 
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     Good health to you and yours. 

Take a bow, girls.