The plant is used as aresolvent and cooling medicine, and in the treatment of bilious complaints. It has asimilar but milder effect to chicory (Cichorium intybus) and so is avery beneficial tonic to the liver and digestive system. The root is demulcent and tonic. It has been used in the treatment of dyspepsia and fevers. The fruit (this probably means the seed) has been used in the treatment of fevers, headaches, bilious complaints and jaundice.