Emmenagogue, diaphoretic, tonic, nervine, antispasmodic, cardiac tonic, cathartic (aperient), hepatic, diuretic. From Potter's Cyclopaedia: "Is especially valuable in female weakness and hysteria, acting as a tonic to the generative organs and allaying nervous irritability. It promotes the flow of the menses, and generally braces up the uterine membranes. It will be found useful as a simple tonic in heart diseases or weakness and in recovery from fevers when other tonics are inadmissible. It is a useful and calming tonic that strengthens the heart, allays nervous irritability, and induces quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system. And not only is its tonic action beneficial to the heart and uterine membrane, but to the gastrointestinal tract as well. An erect leafy perennial, 5 feet tall, with rootstocks which send up several square, hollow, grooved stems, which at times are red-violet in color. The leaves are opposite, 3-7 lobed, sharply incised, green above, white-hairy beneath. Small white or pinkish flowers appear in numerous small whorls in axils, the upper lip furry. The calyx has 5 sharp teeth. Found throughout the U.S. in waste places, vineyards, along fences and paths. It is a astringent, cardiac, emmenagoue, sedative, and stomachic. The Leaves and flowering tops are most commonly used for nervous heart problems, insomnia, stomach gas, cramps, to promote menstruation and regulate menses, to help in childbirth and menopausal problems. It is also used for asthma, goiters and congestion of the respiratory passages. Steep 1 teaspoon tops or leaves in 1/2 cup water. Take 1 cup a day, unsweetened, mouthful at a time. Cases of contact dermatitis reported, but rare.