An erect herb, smooth or somewhat hairy, leafy, and 30 to 120 centimeters in height. Leaves are narrowly or broadly elliptic-lanceolate, 4 to 9 centimeters long, pointed at both ends, glandular-dotted, and toothed in the margins. Flowering heads are very numerous, 4 to 6 millimeter in diameter, and peduncled, with purplish or reddish flowers.

Abortifacient (leaves)

Bureau of Plant Industry

The plant juice is squeezed into the eyes for headache, intestinal parasites, for abdominal disorders, and for colic. An infusion of the plant is used for dysentery, haemoptysis and bruises. The root along with red pepper, is given by enema for constipation. Pounded leaves are applied over sprains, fractures and scabies. The boiled leaves are used for wounds and traumatic hemorrhages.