Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Eupatorium Purpureum - COMPOSITAE - Gravel Root, Joepye, Queen of the Meadow, Trumpet Weed
Eupatorium Purpureum
COMPOSITAE
gravel root, joepye, jopi root, queen of the meadow, trumpet weed, kidney root, purple bonesei, Indian gravel root, motherwort, niggerweed, quillwort, hemp weed, purple thorough wort
This native of all but the most southern part of the country grows in damp soils, rich but waste places, and old fields. About six feet tall, it is distinguished by its purplish-to-white head of flowers in August. The Latin name Eupatorium is said to have come from Mithridates Eupator, a king of Pontus, the first to use the plant medicinally. “Joe Pye” is said to be the name of an American Indian who cured typhus fever with extractions of the root.
The rhizome is used medicinally. Decoctions or infusions have been prescribed for dropsy, strangury, gravel, and other urinary disorders. It is mentioned also as “especially valuable as a diuretic” with astringent and alterative properties, and as a nervine or tonic.
The roots smell like old hay and have a slightly bitter, aromatic taste.
One writer gives a dose as “two to four fluid ounces of the decoction taken three or four times a day.” It may be considered an auxiliary to other tonics, emetics, and diuretics. While not poisonous, overdoses cause nausea, pains in the stomach and bowels, increased heart action, and a run-down feeling. This species of Eupatorium is closely related (as the common names indicate) to the better-known boneset, and these plants have been considered interchangeable.