The leaves have been found to have an antibacterial action, effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus typhi, B. dysenteriae, E. coli, B. subtilis, Pseudomonas etc.  A volatile oil extracted from the plant is particularly effective in the treatment of bronchitis and asthma - the oil is sprayed into the throat and takes effect within one minute. The leaves are used to treat excessive bleeding during menstruation, bleeding during pregnancy or after labor, bleeding of the nose, vomiting of blood, blood in stools, diarrhea. They are also used in the treatment of sterility, dysmenorrhea, coughs, asthma and in moxibustion.  The leaf stalks used to treat chronic dysentery, eye disease. Seeds are used to treat sweating at night, excessive gas in the system, tuberculosis, indigestion.