root was recommended in the treatment of yellow jaundice, obstruction of the spleen, the melancholy humour, palsy, sciatica, and of bruises. The leaves were advised for women “that have not their courses” and for the treatment of freckles and other discolorations of the skin. Risks Madder root may cause birth defects and miscarriages in humans when taken internally. References External links "Rubia.—Madder", King's American Dispensatory, 1898. Flora of Europe Flora of Lebanon Plant dyes Plants described in 1753 tinctorum Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus