Hey! You remember I`ve been complaining about how boring the street I live in is? Well, I have a new neighbor now and his name is Joe. A really nice middle-aged man; I must say. Anyways, away from that, recently, I discovered that the name ‘Joe’ isn’t the preserve of the human male folk. In fact, the funny thing is there is actually a plant known as the Joe Pye weed. Weird having a plant with a name and surname right? Well, let’s get to know some other things about this weed!
What’s with the Name?
So, it is pretty strange to have a plant with a surname right? Well, this weed is actually named after a New England doctor, Joe Pye, who used the plant to treat persons who were diagnosed with the typhoid fever during the 1800s. So, that basically explains the origin of the name. The plant, however, is botanically referred to as the Eupatorium purpureum. They are also called gravel roots or kidney roots.
What Exactly is Joe Pye Weed?
This plant is a perennial one that can be found in the Native American wilds. It is a tall, native plant that flowers late in the season; usually when other plants are shedding their leaves. It has pinkish-purple flowers that usually bloom July to September every year.
Apart from the Flowers, What Else?
Good question! Definitely, its colorful flowers are a distinct feature. However, something else worth mentioning about this plant is its height. In fact, the weed typically grows to five feet or more. In addition, its stems are quite thick and are usually mottled pink or purple in color. As a result of the attractive color of its leaves, the plant is normally a one-stop point for bees, insects, and butterflies.
Where Is it Found?
These days, the plant is gradually losing its status as a weed that typically grows in the wild. This is because a lot of people recognize the many extraordinary qualities of this plant. As a result, lots of persons cultivate it as a garden flower in their home gardens. Despite this, the plant can still be found in open fields. Thus, you may just want to keep your eyes wide open when next you go camping. You are sure to come across a field of Joe Pyes.
Why the Fuss?
You may just be wondering why we are even talking Joe Pyes in the first place. Apart from its rather obvious medicinal properties, this plant has a number of health benefits for you. I’ll tell you four of them. Here we go!
Health Benefits of Joe Pye Weed
Helping your Heart
Your heart is a useful organ in your body. This is why the optimal performance of your heart is one thing to consider when you measure how healthy you are. Thus, it is necessary that your heart remains healthy and happy. One way to do this is to incorporate Joe Pye weed into your diet. Nutritionists say that this plant contains essential vitamins and minerals that can make your heart function at maximum capacity. Particularly, the weed aids proper blood circulation in the body. This makes blood get to every organ in your body at the right time and prevents the occurrence of medical conditions like a stroke.
Something with your Kidney?
It sure isn’t called kidney roots for nothing. Joe Pye weed is highly beneficial for the treatments of urinary and kidney related issues like kidney stones. It can help to remove impurities that affect your kidney’s performance.
Dealing with the Fevers
Well, this should not be so surprising, considering the fact that the herb’s ability to cure fevers; especially typhoid-induced fevers, is something the earlier folks recognized first. A decanted mixture made from boiling the herb can be used to get your body back on track by driving off fevers.
What about Colds and Sore Throats?
We all know how a cold or a sore throat can ruin your day. Imagine having your big presentation or interview ruined by constant sneezes or a rough voice. Definitely not cool. Thankfully, this weed can help in dealing with these day spoilers. Forget cough syrups, a cup of Joe Pye tea is all you need to drive the cold and sore throat away for good.
Consuming Joy Pye Weed
This extraordinary herb can be consumed in numerous forms. However, the most popular form is liquid. This is widely referred to as the Joe Pye weed tea and it is a recipe many of our ancient folks used to combat a number of health-threatening infections. Thankfully, time has not washed away the efficacy of this tea as it is still effective when used. I’ll teach you how to make it. It is quite simple!
Making the Tea
To make the tea, you will have to harvest and dry the leaves and stems of the plant during the summer periods. You can also make use of the root of the plant. Remember to dry whatever part of the herb you are using and then hang it in a cool place to ensure it doesn’t grow molds or get moist. When they are dry enough, simply grind the plant into a smooth powder, sift, add a proportionate amount of water then decant. There! You can now enjoy a rich cup of healthy Joe Pye tea.
There are some persons who prefer to have a fresh cup of the tea. Here’s how to go about it. All you have to do is pluck the parts of the plant that you need to make use of, boil them, sift and enjoy your cup of fresh Joe Pye weed tea.
Why you should Drink it
Apart from having a cool vanilla-like scent and taste; especially when it is dried, there are a plethora of health benefits which you can savor in a single cup of Joe Pye weed tea. I will tell you some of them.
Researchers say that a tea made from Joe Pye roots alone is useful in the treatment of colds, kidney and liver complaints, and rheumatism. On the other hand, a tea made from the leaves alone is diuretic in nature and also helps in the treatment of rheumatism.
Just How Much Is Enough?
Knowing the many benefits of consuming Joe Pye weed tea, I’m sure you simply want to keep drinking it. However, just like everything else, taking too much of the tea may just be bad for you. In fact, excessive consumption of the tea can damage your liver.
Nutritionists recommend that you dissolve a teaspoon of the dried and ground flower in a glass of boiling water for about ten minutes to have the maximum effect. In addition, the recommended dosage is a half cup in a thirty-minute interval.
Heads Up!
This miracle-working herb may not be for everyone. Specifically, pregnant and nursing women are advised to stay away from the herb. This is because the herb has a tonic effect on them which is not good for their babies.
Final Words…
Joe Pye weed is certainly a beneficial herb when it is used the right way. Moderation is definitely key in matters of this weed. Why not enjoy a cup of Joe Pye weed tea today? You will be glad you did. Meanwhile, I’m going camping with my new neighbor, Joe. Hopefully, we will come across a field of Joe Pyes. Maybe, we will even enjoy a cup or two of the miracle herb. I’ll let you know if we do. Bye for now.
