Beaumont's root was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is still occasionally used in modern herbalism, mainly for its effect upon the liver and bile production. Some caution is advised, the plant is potentially toxic[222]. The root is anodyne, cathartic, emetic, hepatic, laxative and tonic[4, 46, 61, 165, 218, 222]. The fresh root is a violent cathartic and possibly emetic, the dried root is milder in its action, but less certain[4]. The root also gently excites the liver and increases the flow of bile[4, 238]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea, coughs, chills and fevers, and also to ease the pain of backaches[257]. A tea made from the roots is strongly laxative[213, 222]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and should be stored for at least a year before use[213].