There is hardly a disease in which this plant is not given in some form or the other. It is described as acrid and digestive. It is useful in treating nausea, asthma, cough, colic and palpitation of the heart.

This plant acts as a stimulant, carminative and diuretic. A lotion prepared with the rhizome is used to remove dandruff or scales from the head.

The drug has long enjoyed a reputation as a tonic, alterative, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic and blood purifier. It is employed in nutritional disorders, syphilis, chronic rheumatism, gravel and other urinary diseases and skin affections. It is administered in the form of a powder, infusion or decoction.