The leaves and roots are astringent, detergent, emollient, and vulnerary. Traditionally it was used as a treatment for dislocated joints and burns. When applied to a dislocated joint, a paste made from the plant tends to normalize the affected muscles and ligaments, simultaneously relaxing and tightening them to encourage the joint back into its proper place. In addition, the crushed leaves have been used as a poultice to soothe burns and scalds. The leaves are expectorant, employed as an emollient fomentation in rheumatism and neuralgia. The leaves and tender shoots are used in snake bites. The root is expectorant and used in asthma.