Whole Plant -
It smells strongly of coumarin, especially when crushed, and has a taste which is both bitter and aromatic. It is useful for soil stabilisation, biodiversity and as a ground cover, as shown in the ecology section.
Leaves -
The leaves are used to make a tea with a spicy taste which can act as a laxative when taken in quantity. It contains antioxidants which can be used as a tonic, to induce sweating, and treat fever and scurvy. The leaf tea can be used as a treatment against digestive problems such as chronic diarrhoea and constipation, and respiratory issues such as lung diseases, influenza, chest colds and pneumonia. It is used as a broncho-dilating agent which is administered during inter-crisis periods or when the asthmatic crisis is starting. The leaves are haemostatic, and thus, the tea may be deployed to regulate menstruation problems. It is also used as a cardiac stimulant, increasing the force of the heart beat but diminishing its frequency. Biological tests and experimental studies provide references on its hypotensor and hypothermal action. Externally, the leaves are used to treat badly infected wounds and also as an antidote for snake bites. Furthermore, a gargle prepared from the leaves is used to relieve thrush, scurvy and angina.
Essential Oil -
The essential oil, isolated from the plant, has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain fungi, namely Curvularia, Rhizopus, Aspergillus and Penicillium species, (but not Aspergillus Fumigatus and Penicillium Decumbens). It has also been deemed to be highly effective against the bacteria, Escherichia Coli and Proteus Vulgaris, and moderate activity against Bacillus Anthracis, Staphylococcus Aureus and some Salmonella spieces.