Origins: Rich, damp, shaded woods.

Uses: The rhizomes and roots have been used to treat chronic rheumatism, dropsy, spasms, and as a gargle. In small doses, the drug is an expectorant; in large doses it is an emetic. It also has been considered a diuretic, alterative, and antispasmodic.

A guide to medicinal plants of Appalachia/ Krochmal, Arnold; Walter, Russel S.; Doughty, Richard M.: USA: U.S.D.A Forest Service:,1959