The whole plant, but especially the fresh root, is alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative, tonic, vasodilator and vulnerary[4, 21, 46, 102, 165]. A tea made from the roots is strongly diuretic, it is valuable in the treatment of all complaints of the urinary system and the rectum and is used in the treatment of piles, indigestion, diarrhoea, kidney complaints etc[4, 222]. It has proved of benefit in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, mucous colitis and varicose veins[254]. The root is seldom used on its own but is contained in remedies with other herbs, especially Aphanes arvensis, Eupatorium purpureum and Hydrangea arborescens[238]. The roots contain more than 13,000 parts per million of rosmarinic acid, the same anti-oxidant that is found in rosemary[222]. The fresh leaves are strongly emetic[222]. Some caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity[222]. A poultice of the leaves or roots is applied to burns, bruises, sores, sprains etc[4, 222, 254].