A small herb grows to about 8 in (20 cm) in height. Leaves narrow. Flowers pink. The rhizome (underground stem) is used in healing.

Analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative (root); antitussive, cardiotonic, hypotensive and anticancer (plant extract)

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The roots are used especially to relieve menstrual cramps, chest and abdominal pains. It has traditionally been used to lower pain and strengthen the circulation. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments including lumbago, dysmenorrhoea, hernia, chest pains, insomnia and traumatic injuries.

Jing-Nuan Wu. An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica. P: 222, Oxford University Press, Inc.2005.