Perennial, erect herb, 10 to 60 cm. Rootstock stout, long, covered with fibres from the petioles of withered leaves. Stem pubescent upwards, glabrous below. Radical leaves 5-20 x 2.5 cm, spathulate, glabrous or slightly pubescent; cauline leaves 1 to 2 pairs, 2.5-7.5 cm long, sessile, sub-ovate. Flower heads 1 to 5; flowers rosy pale pink or blue; bracts 4 to 6 mm, pubescent; corolla tube 6 mm, hairy inside. Fruits 4 mm, obovate, flattened.

Lowers blood pressure and antiarrhythmic (oil); sedative, tonic, antispasmodic, analgesic, promotes hair growth and stimulant.

Jatamansone, jatamanshic acid, virolin and an essential oil.

For restlessness and hyperactivity in juveniles (jatamansone); for convulsions and arrhythmia of the heart. It is a substitute for valerian, Valeriana officinalis, and used in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria and convulsive affections, nervous indigestion, insomnia, depression and tension headaches. Externally, it is used as a deodorant and to treat rashes.

Grieve M. A Modern Herbal (1931) (www.botanical.com).