In traditional herbal medicine the seed is considered a mealy nutritive herb that is antispasmodic, cardiac, diuretic, emollient, nervine and stimulant. A gruel made from the ground seed is used as a mild nutritious aliment in inflammatory cases, fevers and after parturition. (Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984) The seed contains the antitumor compound b-sitosterol and has been used as a folk remedy for tumours (Duke. J. Handbook of Energy Crops)

The seed ripens in the latter half of summer and, when harvested and dried, can store for several years. It has a floury texture and a mild, somewhat creamy flavour. It can be used as a staple food crop in either savoury or sweet dishes.