An evergreen shrub, which reaches a height of from 3 to 4 feet, has a smooth stem which exudes a gummy substance. The narrow, dark-green, leathery leaves are from 3 to 4 inches in length and are covered with a resinous substance which makes them appear as if varnished. The rather showy, whitish, or pale-blue flowers are borne in clusters at the top of the plant.

Expectorant, antipyretic and antispasmodic (leaves); bitter tonic and a stimulating balsamic expectorant (bitter tea made from the leaves);

Plants For A Future

The leaves are recommended for abrasion, asthma, blood diseases, bronchosis, bruise, cancer, catarrh, cold, congestion, cough, cramp, dermatosis, fatigue, fever, flu, fracture, gastrosis, gonorrhea, hay fever, headache, infection, inflammation, ophthalmia, pain, pertussis, pleurisy, pneumonia, poison ivy, respirosis, rheumatism, sore, swelling, tuberculosis, urinary tract infections and water retention. A steam bath made from the branches and leaves has been used in the treatment of rheumatism. A decoction of the leaves has been used as a wash for sore areas and painful fatigued limbs.

James A Duke and Maryl Fulton. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs - 2nd Edition, P:808, CRC Press July 2002.