 "The Dispensatory of the United States of America" (1918) describes the root, as found in commerce, as oblong, 5–7.5 cm long in length, of varying thickness, very hard, rough, and solid, of a reddish-brown color externally, and pale within; and has numerous, long, slender, yellowish rootlets attached to its inferior part.The odor is aromatic; the taste warm, slightly bitterish, and pungent.The sensible properties are extracted by alcohol and boiling water.