It is used in the traditional medicine of Korea it is used in the treatment of tuberculosis, dyspepsis and internal parasites. (Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea World Health Organisation, Manila 1998)

The seed is ground into a powder and used as a condiment, a pepper substitute [Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990]. The fruit can also be used [Brooklyn Botanic Garden Oriental Herbs and Vegetables, Vol 39 No. 2. Brooklyn Botanic Garden 1986]. It is often heated in order to bring out its full flavour and can be mixed with salt for use as a table condiment. The ground and dry-roasted fruit is an ingredient of the Chinese 'five spice powder'. The bark and leaves are used as a spice [Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995]. Young leaves - raw or cooked are used in soups or as a flavouring in salads.