Tonic, stomachic, febrifuge, emmenagogue, anthelmintic (vermifuge), antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, emetic (large doses), sialagogue, antibilious, antiperiodic, antivenomous.

This is one of the most valuable bitter tonics and best strengtheners of the human system in herbal medicine. It has the characteristic of storing vast quantities of condensed oxygen in the roots (the source of its bitterness and exhilarating tonic action), and therefore it is rightfully one of the most popular revitalizing tonic and stomachic agents for physical exhaustion from chronic ailments, general debility, female weakness, digestive weakness, and lack of appetite. It is intensely bitter, yet it is generally easily received by the stomach, wherein it tones the liver without influencing the secretion of bile. It is powerful, effective and reliable as a therapeutic tonic agent. As an antiperiodic, its action is similar to Peruvian bark (Cinchona calisaya).

A perennial with several smooth ascending stems, 3-4. feet or more in height. The lance-shaped leaves are opposite to one another at each joint. A cluster of crowded, tubular greenish-white to purplish-green flowers grow at the top of the plant. Found throughout eastern and central U.S. in wet areas.

It is a anthelmintic, antiseptic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, stomachic, and tonic. The rhizome and root collected in the autumn and dried is one of the most useful of the bitter vegetable tonics. Historically used for exhaustion from chronic disease, weakness of the digestive organs and want of appetite, jaundice, hysteria, fevers, gout, rheumatism, to reduce vomiting, an-aid to digestion, and nervous distress. As a tonic, it is combined with a purgative, to prevent its debilitating effects. Steep 1 teaspoon of the powdered root in 1 cup water for 30 minutes Take 1/2-1 cup twice a day to strengthen the human system, female weaknesses, jaundice, appetite. For dyspeptic complaints, it is more effective than Peruvian Bark.