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eupatorium

Joe Pye Weed

Thu, 02/14/2008 - 15:25 — kitchenwitch
Botanical Name:

Eupatorium spp.

Zones:
3-7
Other Names:
Queen of the Meadow, gravel root, kidney root, mist-flower, snakeroot, purple boneset, eupatorium, Sweet Joe-Pye Weed, Hempweed, Joe-Pie, Jopi Weed, Trmpet Weed,

Joe Pye Weed is a Native American perennial member of the family asteraceae found in all parts of the US with the exception of the deep south and the far north.

Propagation:

Joe Pye Weed can be grown from seed, plant six weeks before the last frost and cover lightly so that sunlight can reach the seeds. Keep moist.
Or it can be grown from cuttings.

Joe Pye Weed generally prefers full sun and moist soil. Some varieties such as E. purpureum can tolerate less moisture and part shade conditions.

History and Folklore:

It is said that the plant was named after a Native American healer who used it to treat typhus.

The name Eupatorium comes from the name of King Mithridates Eupator who lived in Parthis from 120 to 63 BCE who is said to have discovered the medical effectiveness of the Eupatorium family, which includes the European native Boneset.

Joe Pye Weed was used by many Native American tribes for healing and magic. It was used as a diuretic, to treat colds and fevers, as a love medicine, as a poultice for wounds, as a wash to strengthen children and for joint pain and the flowers were used as good luck charms.

Harvesting & Storage:

Gather leaves anytime. Dig the root after a frost. Joe Pye Weed dries well.

Household Use:

Joe Pye Weed is suitable for butterfly gardens. It attracts Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Great Spangled Fritillaries, Pearl Crescents, Monarchs, and Tawny-edged Skippers

Magical Attributes:

Joe Pye Weed can be used in spells for love or respect. A leaf can be tucked into your cheek to ensure that words spoken to the opposite sex will be well-received. Gamblers can carry the plant on them to help bring them good luck. Carrying the plant with you will also encourage others to look upon you with respect.

Healing Attributes:

The entire plant can be used, with the root having the strongest effect. It can be made into a diuretic tea to stimulate the bladder and kidneys and to encourage sweating to break a fever. It is also useful for influenza.

Simmer 1 once dried root in 1 pint water for 30 minutes, strain and cool, take 1/2 cup 4-5 times per day
OR
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp leaves and flowers. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink 1-3 times per day.

WARNING: This herb can cause liver and kidney damage and severe intestinal problems if overdosed or used for long periods of time.

Culinary Use:

None

Practical Kitchen Witchery:

Joe Pye Weed is supertall, so it makes a great privacy hedge.

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