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Monoecious (having pistillate and staminate flowers on the same plant), aquatic perennial with a creeping rhizome which is native to north temperate zones, Australia and New Zealand. Linear leaves grow directly from the base; flowers appear in heads, the upper heads being male and the lower being female; fruit is a nutlet which remains closed at maturity.
NEEDS: Wet habitat and full sun.
MEDICINAL USES:
Rhizome is abortifacient, emmenogogue, lactogogue, sedative. Has been used in Chinese medicine to stimulate blood circulation as well as eliminate stasis of the blood in cancer of the cervix and also lymphosarcoma.Plant has been used in Oriental medicine in decoction form for abdominal pain, amenorrhea, chest pain.Has been used in Chinese medicine to dissolve blood clots or to treat internal bleeding (rhizome is cut fine for use, or else soaked in vinegar).