Gravel Root goes by numerous aliases; in addition to its scientific name, Eupatorium purpureum, it is commonly known as gravelweed, kidneywort, purple boneset and jopai weed - reportedly after an Algonquin Indian from New England whose name was Jopai ("Joe Pye"), a shaman who became known for curing complaints with the use of Native American herbs like Gravel Root. The name gravel root originated at a time when kidney stones were often referred to as kidney gravel.

Gravel root is among wildcrafted herbs that are native to the wetlands and meadowlands of North America's Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, an area that stretches from Newfoundland to Texas. According to traditional herbalism, powdered Gravel Root is among natural herbs that have been historically used for a wide range of pelvic issues.*