A small, nearly erect shrub, variable in size, but typically not exceeding a few inches in height. It bears dark green, cylindrical, striated, often curved branches arising in whorls; internodes of branchlets, 1-4 cm. long and 1-2 mm. diam. Fruit ovoid, red, sweet and edible, containing 1 or 2 seeds, more or less enclosed by succulent bracts.

Cardiotonic, contraceptive, diuretic, oxytocic and dilates the bronchial tubes (plant); cardiac and circulatory stimulant (tincture)

Plants for a Future

Ephedroxane and pseudo-ephedrine; ellagic acid, ephedrine, gallic acid (plant); terpineol (essential oil)

Asthma problems with allergies and bronchitis (plant); rheumatism, urinary maladies and headaches; for controlling asthmatic attack (liquid extract)

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