An erect or ascending, often stoloniferous herb or shrublet, up to 1 m tall. Leaves with 2-8 cm long petiole; lower leaves ovate-cordate, 7-15 cm x 5-10 cm, 5-7-veined; highest leaves obliquely oblong, 7-11 cm x 3-5 cm, 3-veined. Inflorescence an erect spike, 1-2 cm long; bracts circular, white, about 1 cm in diameter; stamens short; stigmas 3-4. Fruit a berry, connate to each other and adnate to bract but with free apex.
Herb Effects
Expectorant (whole plant); carminative and diuretic (root)
Leaves are used in embrocation for skin discoloration and a throat poultice for coughs. Roots could be chewed to stop toothaches and chewed with areca nut to treat persistent coughs and asthma. The plant is made into drink to relieve the symptoms of malaria, in treating coughs, flu, rheumatism, pleurisy and lumbago.
Health Remedies 
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