Horse Balm

This genus consists of five species of perennials from eastern N America, including C. canadensis (stone root) which, like many of the mint family, has strongly aromatic foliage. It is an unusual herb in that the root is well tolerated, but even small amounts of the fresh leaves may cause vomiting. Stone root is always used with other herbs, forming part of many herbal remedies for kidney complaints. The exact nature of its constituents is unknown. The common name "stone root" may refer to either the unusually hard roots or its use in treating kidney stones. The genus was named after Peter Collinson, an 18th century English Quaker, who introduced many N American plants to the UK.

A strong diuretic, stone root is used in the prevention and treatment of stones and gravel in the urinary system and gallbladder. Stone root is also used to improve the structure and function of the veins, and many healers recommend it for varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures. Contrary to its name, it's not just the root but also the flowers and leaves of the plant that are effective and used in herbal remedies.

Tall, lemon-scented perennial with stout, very hard rhizomes, and ovate leaves, 9-15cm (3½-6in) long. Loose spikes of pale yellow, tubular flowers are produced in summer.


Common Name:
Horse Balm
Other Names:
Archangel, Canadian Horsemint, Hardhack, Horse Weed, Knob Root, Richweed, Rock-Weed, Stone Root
Botanical Name:
Collinsonia canadensis
Genus:
Collinsonia
Family:
Lamiaceae
Native Location:
E. USA
Cultivation:
Moist soil in partial shade.
Propagation:
By seed sown in spring or autumn.
Harvest:
Roots are lifted in autumn and used fresh or dried for decoctions, liquid extracts, and tinctures. Roots need long extraction and are better fresh or made into a syrup. Leaves are picked as required and used fresh.
Height:
60cm-1.2m (2-4ft)
Width:
45-90cm (18-36in)
Hardiness:
Z3-9
Parts Used:
Roots, leaves, Rhizome
Properties:
A bitter, astringent, unpleasant-tasting herb that has diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, and acts as a tonic for the capillaries and digestive system.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for kidney and urinary stones, cystitis, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, mucous colitis, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins (roots). Combines well with Aphanes arvensis (See, parsley piert), Eupatorium purpureum (See, Joe-Pye weed), and Hydrangea arborescens (See, wild hydrangea). Externally for healing bruised or sore skin (leaf poultice).
To treat gastrointestinal disorders, bladder inflammation, and kidney stones.
Typical Dose:
A typical dose of stone root may range from 1 to 4 ml of liquid extract (1:1)
Possible Side Effects:
Stone root's side effects include gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, dizziness, and painful urination.
Drug Interactions:
Taking stone root with these drugs may increase the diuretic effects of the drug:
Acetazolamide, (Apo-Acetazolamide, Diamox Sequels)
Amiloride, (Midamor)
Azosemide, (Diat)
Bumetanide, (Bumex, Burinex/center>
Chlorothiazide, (Diuril)
Chlorthalidone, (Apo-Chlorthalidone, Thalitone)
Ethacrynic Acid, (Edecrin)
Etozolin, (Elkapin)
Furosemide, (Apo-Furosemide, Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide, (Apo-Hydro, Microzide)
Hydrochlorothiazide and Triamterene, (Dyazide, Maxzide)
Hydroflumethiazide, (Diucardin, Saluron)
Indapamide, (Lozol, Nu-Indapamide)
Mannitol, (Osmitrol, Resectisol)
Mefruside, (Baycaron)
Methazolamide, (Apo-Methazolamide, Neptazane)
Methyclothiazide, (Aquatensen, Enduron)
Metolazone, (Mykrox, Zaroxolyn)
Olmesartan and Hydrochlorothiazide, (Benicar HCT)
Polythiazide, (Renese)
Spironolactone, (Aldactone, Spiroton)
Torsemide, (Demadex)
Triamterene, (Dyrenium)
Trichlormethiazide, (Metatensin, Naqua)
Urea, (Amino-Cerv, UltraMide)
Xipamide, (Diurexan, Lumitens)
Supplement Interactions:
May enhance the effects of herbs and supplements that have diuretic properties, such as Agrimony, Celery, Shepherd's Purse, and Yarrow.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 176-177
The Essential Herb-Drug-Vitamin Interaction Guide by Geo. T. Grossberg,MD and Barry Fox,PhD Copyright©2007 Barry Fox,PhD Pp. 442-443