A delicate perennial herb, procumbent, hairy. Leaves alternate, 3 lobed. Inflorescence umbel. Flowers are pale pink or yellow, small, slender axillary peduncles; capsules linear, tomentose. Seeds numerous, dark brown, broadly ovoid.
Herb Effects
Stops growth of Staphylococcus typhi (alcohol extract of leaves); reduces fever, antiscorbutic, aids in and stimulates digestion and curbs excessive thirst caused by severe heat or diabetes.Anthelmintic, antiphlogistic, antiscorbutic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, lithontripic, stomachic and styptic.
Indigestion, anemia, swelling of the tympanum and hemorrhoids (fresh plant juice); dysentery and diarrhea (leaf and root); skin and eye disorders (such as warts and opacity of the cornea) and scurvy (plant); insomnia, jaundice and fever.
Contraindication
Contains a high concentration of oxalic acid and should therefore be avoided by persons suffering from gout. rheumatism and stones in the urinary tract. The leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency.
Reference
Sharma, Classical Uses of Medicinal Plants.
Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India. Uniyal et al., Medicinal Flora of Garhwal Himalayas.