False Gromwell

Chronic, dull, aching cystitis with scanty, frequent urination and suspected gravel in the urine

Acute cystitis with burning, painful urination following a chill or overexertion

Overview. Onosmodium is a small genus of coarse, hairy perennial herbs in the borage family, native to dry gravelly ground and open woodlands of eastern and central North America. The root and, less commonly, the hard nutlet-like seeds were used by nineteenth century American eclectic physicians as a urinary remedy, valued for a supposed action similar to gromwell (Lithospermum) on the bladder and kidneys. It never entered mainstream herbal use and remains largely a historical curiosity, with the common name false gromwell reflecting its resemblance to that related genus.

Clinical Notes. Historically the dried root was prepared as a strong infusion and given in small, frequent doses through the day for cystitis, both acute and chronic, and for calculous complaints where gravel was suspected.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. This plant is diuretic, possessing properties analogous to those of the Onosmodium Virginianum, and deserves further investigation. It has proved efficient in both acute and chronic cystitis, and likewise in certain calculous affections. A strong infusion of the dried root, 1 ounce to water 1 pint, may be given every 3 hours in tablespoonful doses. The seeds, in powder, are used in half-teaspoonful doses every 4 or 5 hours (King).

The roots and seeds of Lithospermum officinale, Linné. Nat. Ord: Boraginaceae. COMMON NAME: Common gromwell. ILLUSTRATION: Woodville's Medical Botany, Plate 105.