Red-rooted Gromwell

This genus consists of about 60 species of rhizomatous perennials, found in all temperate regions, except Australasia. It once included several shrubby species, now reclassified in Lithodora, which are widely grown in rock gardens. Few of the perennial species have any merit as ornamentals. Little is known of the chemistry of this genus, but the effectiveness of several species as contraceptives and as depuratives for skin conditions warrants further investigation. Lithospermum erythrorhizon has an ancient history of use in Chinese medicine. Lithospermum ruderale (gromwell, puccoon) was one of several species used by native N Americans; by the Algonquin as dyes and body paints; and by the Shoshoni as a contraceptive, apparently causing permanent sterility after six months. Lithospermum is from the Greek lithos, "stone", and spermum, "seed", referring to the small, hard nutlets.

Erect, coarsely hairy perennial with thick roots that turn purple when dried, and lanceolate leaves. White flowers are borne in clusters in autumn, followed by gray-white nutlets.

Common Name:	Red-rooted Gromwell
Botanical Name:	Lithospermum erythrorhizon syn. L. officinale subsp. erythrorhizon
Genus:	Lithospermum
Family:	Boraginaceae
Native Location:	E China, Korea, Japan
Cultivation:	Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in sun or partial shade.
Propagation:	By seed sown in autumn; by division in autumn.
Harvest:	Whole plants are cut when flowering, and roots are lifted in autumn; all parts are dried for use in decoctions.
Height:	40-70cm (16-28in)
:Width	30cm (12in)
Hardiness:	Z8-9
Parts Used:	Whole plant, roots (zi cao)
Properties:	A sweet, soothing, healing herb that lowers fever and clears toxins. It stimulates the liver, heart, and circulation, and has contraceptive and anti-cancer effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for irritant skin conditions, measles, chicken pox, boils, carbuncles, hepatitis, and skin cancer. Externally for eczema, diaper rash, burns, abscesses, poison oak or ivy rash, vaginal discharge, and herpes.
Economic Uses:	Extracts are added to skin care creams.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 265