In Native American history, legend has it that the common nickname for gravel root, "Joe Pye", stems from a Native American with the same name who reportedly used the herb to cure a typhoid outbreak. Actions include: diuretic, stimulant, tonic, anti-inflammatory, promotes menstruation. Common medicinal uses include: to treat urinary or kidney stones, infections of the bladder, cystitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. The herb is also said to tone the reproductive tract. Also used for arthritis-like pain and gout.