It was once used extensively as a cathartic by early settler (therein lies the source of the common name "Culver's Physic"). It was also an ingredient in many other mediceines and potions in combination with other species. The fresh root was used as a drastic abortivant, but it's actions were always uncertain and quite often overly-severe. Doses of the root in measured amounts were used as a stomach tonich and laxative; it was also used to treat dyspepsia, to treat digestive systems that were severely dibilitated, typhoid, diarrhea and fevers

"The Meskwaki used the root to treat constipation, to dissolve kidney stones and to treat women weak from intense labor during childbirth. The root and root teas could induce vomiting and many tribes across North America used the root as a laxative. It was once used extensively as a cathartic by early settler (therein lies the source of the common name "Culver's Physic"). It was also an ingredient in many other mediceines and potions in combination with other species. The fresh root was used as a drastic abortivant, but it's actions were always uncertain and quite often overly-severe. Doses of the root in measured amounts were used as a stomach tonich and laxative; it was also used to treat dyspepsia, to treat digestive systems that were severely dibilitated, typhoid, diarrhea and fevers

Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver's Root) is an erect perennial herb that grows 80-200 cm in height. The leaves are serrated and arranged in whorls of 3-7 around the stem. The inflorescence is erect with slender and spike-like racemes. The stamens are crowded and protrude in a brush-like fashion perpendicular to the raceme . The corollas are white and are roughly 2 mm. in length. These plants flower from mid-summer to early fall. Culver's Root is frequently found in wet to wet-mesic prairies and sometimes moist upland sites.

Edible Uses: Unknown

Medicinal Uses: Unknown

Herbal Uses: Unknown