A perennial herb growing as high as 1 m. with a root (white on the inside and black on the exterior) similar to that of a turnip; it also has a hollow stem, spear-shaped leaves and drooping violet-purple type colored flowers.

Anodyne, astringent (mild), demulcent, emollient, expectorant, haemostatic, refrigerant, vulnerary (root and leaf)

Plants for a Future

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, allantoin (derivates of purin).

For healing wounds, in hemorrhoids, varicose ulcers, thromboses, inflamed tendons and joints and long-term bone and joint diseases.

This herb should not be ingested and should not be used in excessive amounts since it may become toxic.

Stary, Medicinal Herbs and Plants.