A perennial plant growing to 0.4m. Leaves are basal in rosettes, dark green and lanceolate with an almost leathery quality and grow in a decussate, or X formation, on purplish stems. Striking blue flowers are small, campanulate, with four lobes and in terminal or axillary clusters. Fruit a capsule.

Appetizer, bitter tonic, digestive, febrifuge, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant and stomachic

Plants For A Future

The root is used in the treatment of hoarseness and sore throats. It is also taken internally in the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system, and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects.

Should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers.