Energetic quality: very bitter, astringent, cold, dry

Parts used: leaf, aerial parts medicinally

Ethnobotanical/historical use: used extensively in Asia and India, called the “king of bitters” in India; in Vietnamese folk medicine, it is used as postpartum tonic; in Malaysia, used for skin problems, cardiovascular disease, snakebite; numerous recent clinical trials; considered the one of the best respiratory and anti-infective agents in the Netherlands – once used as remedy for a plague in Netherlands

Actions, properties: broad spectrum immune stimulating anti-infective – antiviral, antibacterial, anti-venom, immunostimulant, anthelmintic, expectorant, astringent; antipyretic, anti-inflammatory; bitter; uterine stimulant, abortifacient, parturient; vulnerary

Indications: serious systemic, bacterial, viral infections – epidemics, HIV, hepatitis, pneumonia, malaria, staph, parasitic infections, dysentery, swollen lymph glands, bronchitis, other respiratory infections; infections in intestines, gall bladder, urinary tract
Has been used for prolonged labor, retained placenta

Contraindications: pregnancy, very cold conditions, deficiency conditions, intestinal cold conditions, excess Vata

Methods of preparation and dosage:
make short decoction or long infusion – extremely bitter, however – take small doses before meals as digestive bitter
Medicinal infusion/decoction – ¼ - 1 cup 3x day, or small frequent doses
Extract – 5 – 60 drops 1 – 4x daily, or small frequent doses
Capsules – 1 – 2 caps up to 3x daily
Can use topically on infected areas

Combines well with: Plantago lanceolata, P. major, Echinacea angustifolia, Hydrastis canadensis, Thymus vulgaris, Isatis tinctora, Baptisia tinctora

Spiritual/magical/religious use: use as powerful cleansing protective ally – get to know this one and its bitter medicine – with the warrior plants it is good to befriend them and not shirk from the medicine that, while strongly bitter, is what is doing the work for you