Excerpted from Bensky:  Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, 3rd ed.

• Invigorates the blood and dispels stasis:  commonly used for gyneocological disorders such as irregular menstruation, premenstrual abdominal pain, heavy menstruation with clots, fixed abdominal masses, infertility, and postpartum abdominal pain with retained lochia.  Also used for traumatic pain.*
• Promotes urination and reduces swelling:  for acute systemic edema.  Especially useful when accompanied by blood in the urine.*
• Clears heat and resolves toxicity:  for sores, abscesses, and toxic swellings.  Also for itchy rashs from damp-heat collecting and steaming the muscles and subcutaneous tissues.  Used either internally or topically.*