Description
Dried leaves yield a slightly bitter but aromatic tea while a sweeter tea can be made from the flowers. Medicinally it is a common domestic herbal remedy for chest complaints, coughing, reducing mucus formation and helping expel phlegm. Medicinal actions include it being anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, demulcent, diuretic, emollient, expectorant and vulnerary. Can be used to heal wounds externally as a poultice. Flowers infused in olive oil is often administered as earache drops. Roots, juice and seeds are also used medicinally. Yellow dye is obtained from the plant, and can be added to hair rinses to ligthen and brighten blonde hair. Use as tinder, torches etc.