Joe Pye Weed

This is Joe Pye Weed. This Appalachian Wildflower or weed as it’s most commonly called was used for several health conditions by the Cherokee nation.

Some of which included using Joe Pye Weed roots and flowers as a diuretic to help with urinary and kidney problems. The Cherokees would also steep Joe Pye weed roots and leaves in hot water and would the liquid be taken for inflammation and fevers.

However, this is very dangerous plant if the medicine uses are not done right.

The weed’s name is said to have derived from the Native American Medicine Man named Joe Pye who gain fame for helping to cure the typhus fever and other illnesses by using this weed. It is even said that Joe Pye helped to cure an entire colony of early white settlers.