A bushy , 30-90 cm. high. Leaves multifid: segments linear, acute, narrow; flowers white, solitary in the axils of branches; capsules globose, depressed above, deeply lobed; seeds many, angled, flat.

Abortifacient and aphrodisiac (plant); anthelmintic, narcotic, alterative, lactagogue, antispasmodic, hypnotic, anodyne, emetic, alleviates spasms, narcotic and kills certain insects (seed); antimicrobial, hypertensive, stimulates motor tracts of the central nervous system, acts as an MAO inhibitor, diuretic, stupefacient,diaphoretic.

Plants for a Future

Harmidine, harmaline and harmalol (seed); quercetin, kaempferol, harmine and acacetin (plant); harmalop, DMT and peganine.

Asthma, uterine cancer, fever, laryngitis, malaria, menstrual disorders, problems with lice, Parkinson's disease, rheumatism, as a vermifuge, tonic, aphrodisiac, alleviating spasms and as a narcotic and emmenagogue.

Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.