Origin: moist locations in woods and meadows.
Uses: The rhizomes and roots are reported to have therapeutic use as a diuretic tonic and sedative. The plant is known as colicroot because it has been used to treat colic, and ague-root because of its value in treating rheumatism, often called ague in Colonial times. In Appalachia a mixture of roots and brandy or whisky is drunk as a treatment for rheumatism.
A guide to medicinal plants of Appalachia/ Krochmal, Arnold; Walter, Russel S.; Doughty, Richard M.: USA: U.S.D.A Forest Service:,1959