The following notes refer to the use of the related species Santolina chamaecyparissus in traditional herbal medicine: The leaves and flowering tops are antispasmodic, disinfectant, emmenagogue, stimulant and vermifuge [Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984]. Cotton lavender is rarely used medicinally, though it is sometimes used internally as a vermifuge for children and to treat poor digestion and menstrual problems [Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995].

The leaves of the species Santolina rosmarinifolia, Holy Flax, are added to savoury Mediterranean dishes and to cocktails to add an olive-like flavour. Small quantities set off sweet dishes with the olive flavour. The flowering parts are used in herbal tea.