A perennial herb with a woody base. Leaves long narrow. Flowers yellow (less commonly red or orange), grows about 20 inches tall and has a delicious fragrance.

Antirheumatic, antispasmodic, cardiotonic, emmenagogue, nervine, purgative and resolvent (flowers and stems); aphrodisiac, diuretic, expectorant, stomachic and tonic (seeds); analgesic, antibacterial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumor, cardiotonic, cardiotoxic, deobstruent, depurative, emmenagogue, expectorant, laxative, myotonic, peristaltic, stimulant, stomachic and tonic (tea made from flowers).

Plants For A Future

The flowers and stems are used in the treatment of impotence and paralysis. The seeds are used in the treatment of dry bronchitis, fevers and injuries to the eyes. A tea made from the flowers are used for treating arthrosis, asthma, bacterial infections, bronchosis, joint cancers, sinew cancer, uterine cancer, cardiac illnesses, constipation, cramps, dysmenorrhea, gout, hepatosis, induration, inflammation, pain, sclerosis, toothache, tumors and uterosis.

James A Duke and Maryl Fulton. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs - 2nd Edition, P: 758, CRC Press July 2002.