The root is woody, thick and purplish brown with cream colored flesh. Gather leaves anytime and entire plant in full bloom. The entire plant is used as an alternative medicine with the roots being the strongest part. Crushed leaves have an apple scent and are dried then burned to repel flies. Infuse dried root and flowers for a diuretic tea to relieve kidney and urinary problems.
Tea is used to induce sweating and break a high fever.
Some Native American tribes still consider Joe Pye Weed to be an aphrodisiac. Copyright 1998, Alternative Nature Enterprises. All Rights Reserved. It is meant to be educational and not for diagnosis or treatment of any disease, see your doctor or qualified herbal practitioner about any health condition you may have. You should never use any plant material or food unless you are certain of its identity and origin.