A perennial herb, 60-90 cm high. Rhizomes horizontal, with scars of annual stems; leaves oblong-ovate; flowers white, in whorls; berry blue-black ; seeds few.

Diuretic (plant); astringent, demulcent, hypoglycemic, increases nerve strength and aphrodisiac (rhizome)

Plants for a Future

Xyloside, vitexin and galactosylapigenin (leaf flavonoids); diosgenin (rhizome and leaf).

An excellent poultice for bruises, piles, inflammation, in the treatment of pulmonary problems, including tuberculosis, and women's complaints (root); used as a snuff to promote sneezing and thus clear the bronchial passages (dried powdered roots and flowers).

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