A perannial herb. Rhizome creeping, thick, woody. Stem 15–50 cm, generally naked, hollow, glabrous or hairy. Leaves basal several, blade 5–15 cm, elliptic to oblong or base sometimes cordate, petiole 10–20 cm; cauline few, ovate, generally subsessile to clasping, sometimes subtending 1–3 short-petioled leaves. Inflorescence 1.5–4 cm, conic; involucre bracts 5–8, 1–3 cm, petal-like, white, often tinged reddish. Flower (except lowermost) subtended by a 5–6 mm white bract; stamens appearing to arise from inflorescence axis.

The root is analgesic, antiarthritic, anticancer, anticonvulsant, antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antiseptic, CNS Depressant, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic,emetic, immunostimulant, laxative, myorelaxant and sedative. The whole plant is analgesic, antiperiodic, antiphlogistic, blood purifier, disinfectant, diuretic, laxative, stomachic and vulnerary.

Plants For A Future
Jepson Manual treatment for Anemopsis californica

The root is indicated in abscess, anorexia, arthrosis, asthma, bronchosis, cancer, catarrh, cold, colic, congestion, constipation, convulsion, cough, cramps, cystosis, diabetes, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, edema , fever, flu, gingivosis, gonorrhea, head cold, herpes, immunodepression, infection, inflammation ,insomnia, laryngosis, myosis, nervousness, pain, pharyngosis, pleurisy, proctosis, pulmonosis, rheumatism, rhinosis, sinusosis, sore, sore throat, stomachache, stomatosis, swelling, syphilis, tuberculosis, ulcers, urethrosis, vaginosis, vulvosis, and water retention. The plant is infused and used to bathe aching muscles and sore feet. An infusion of the plant is used in the treatment of colds, chest congestion and stomach ulcers. The dried and powdered plant is used as a disinfectant on wounds whilst the fresh moist leaves are used as a poultice or salve on burns, cuts and wounds. An infusion of the bark is used as a wash for open sores.

Avoid during pregnancy.

James A Duke and Maryl Fulton. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs - 2nd Edition, P:807, CRC Press July 2002.