A low, deciduous, rhizomatous erect perennial, only 2"- 8" tall. Leaves evergreen, opposite; 4 to 6 leaves in a whorl at the top of the stem, often with 1 or 2 pairs of smaller, leaf-like scales on the stem below; elliptic or egg-shaped, 2 - 6 cm long, margins tapering to a point at both ends, veins parallel.
Flowers tiny white clusters surrounded by four large white bracts, giving the appearance of a single blossom. Fruit a coral red drupe.
Herb Effects
Analgesic, cathartic and febrifuge (leaves, stems); capillary tonic, antioedemic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and hypotensive (fruits).
To treat colic in infants (tea from roots); in the treatment of aches and pains, kidney and lung ailments, coughs, fevers etc; as an eyewash for sore eyes and to remove foreign objects from the eyes (mashed roots).
Health Remedies 
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