In traditional herbal medicine: The leaves are antipyretic and diuretic. They are used internally in the treatment of fevers (especially infantile convulsions), vomiting and nosebleeds. The leave are harvested during the growing season and dried for later use. The juice of the stems is antipyretic, antitussive, expectorant and sedative. It is taken internally in the treatment of lung infections with cough and phlegm. The sap is pressed from young stems in the summer and then dried for later use. The epidermis of the stem bark is antiemetic, depurative and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of vomiting, nosebleeds, coughs etc. The epidermis is collected from young stems in the summer and is dried for later use. The root is astringent, antipyretic, diuretic and styptic. It has been used in the treatment of rabies. The roots are harvested in the winter and dried for later use. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995

Long cultivated in Japan for the canes, used as walking sticks, umbrella handles, musical instruments, furniture etc.