A rhizomatous perennial herb, to 60-150 cm tall. Leaves opposite, pinnatifid, to 15 cm long, coarsely toothed, somewhat hairy to nearly glabrous; terminal segment lanceolate, longer than the others; basal leaves ovate-oblong, lyrate. Flowers yellow, in corymbose- paniculate cymes; calyx 5-toothed; corolla 5-lobbed; stamens 4; ovary inferior, 3-celled. Fruit an achene, wingless, with 1 fertile and 2 sterile cells.
Herb Effects
Antibacterial, anticoagulant, antiphlogistic, antispasmodic, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge haemostatic and resolvent (root); antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatic and sedative (whole plant)
The root is used in the treatment of the initial stages of appendicitis, perityphlitis and neuralgia. It is also used in the treatment of parasitic skin diseases and as an antidote to poison. The entire plant is useful in the treatment of carbuncles, acute appendicitis, intestinal abscess, pain in the chest and abdomen, postpartum pain, dysmenorrhoea and endometriosis. It stimulates the circulation, treats abscesses, promotes regeneration of liver cells. The crushed leaves are applied to abscesses and boils.
Contraindication
Large doses can cause a decrease of white blood cells, nausea and dizziness
Reference
Jing-Nuan Wu. An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica. P: 469, Oxford University Press, Inc.2005.
Health Remedies 
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