Stone root is appropriately named since the dried root pieces look very much like small stones. Also known as Horseweed, Ox-Balm and Canada Horsebalm, this perennial member of the mint family is native to eastern North America. It was used by Native Americans to produce a red dye. They also made infusions from the root to ease cough and sore throat, and to enhance digestion.
The herb also held a prominent place in American Materia Medica of the 19th century. In particular, stone root was used to address “preacher’s sore throat,” or what would equate to strained vocal cords that public speakers sometimes suffer today.
