A hardy, rhizomatous perennial grass, growing to a height of 60 cm. Leaves: sterile shoots 10 - 30 cm long. Stems hollow, erect, 20 - 60 cm tall. Rhizomes slender and creeping, forming dense mat with the roots beneath the soil surface. Flower - an open pyramidal panicle about 10 cm long, with slender branches. Spikelets: three-flowered. Fruit: a caryopsis.
Herb Effects
Analgesic, anorectic, fumitory and hemostatic (plant)
A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers, coughs, sore throats, chafing and venereal infections. It is also used to stop vaginal bleeding and to expel afterbirth. The stems can be soaked in water and used to treat windburn and chapping and as an eyewash.
Reference
James A Duke and Maryl Fulton. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs - 2nd Edition, P: 713, CRC Press July 2002.
Health Remedies 
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