The rhizome is alterative, analgesic, antibiotic, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, antisyphilitic, aphrodisiac, astringent, blood purifier, carminative, demulcent, depurative, detoxifier, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatoprotective, laxative, neuroprotective, resolvent, sedative, stimulant, sudorific and tonic. Useful in sexual debility and in syphilis, scrofula and other skin diseases. Also useful in arthritis, rheumatism, gout, epilepsy and chronic nervous diseases.