The leaves are dried and ground into a powder then used as a tarragon substitute for flavouring soups, sauces etc[2, 27, 160, 183]. They have an anise-like flavour[238, K]. The leaves were an important flavouring of 'chocolatl', the foaming cocoa-based drink of the Aztecs[238]. The dried leaves and flowering tops are brewed into a pleasant anise-flavoured tea[183]. This is a very popular drink in Latin America[238]. The petals are used as a condiment[61].

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The leaves and whole plant are digestive, diuretic, febrifuge, hypotensive, narcotic, sedative and stimulant[160, 192, 200, 238]. Use of the plant depresses the central nervous system, whilst it is also reputedly anaesthetic and hallucinogenic[238]. It is used internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, nausea, indigestion, colic, hiccups, malaria and feverish illnesses[238]. Externally, it is used to treat scorpion bites and to remove ticks[238]. The leaves can be harvested and used as required, whilst the whole plant is harvested when in flower and dried for later use[238].

Secretions from the roots of growing plants have an insecticidal effect on the soil, effective against nematodes and to some extent against keeled slugs[200], they also have an effect against some persistent weeds such as couch grass[14]. These secretions are produced about 3 - 4 months after sowing[200]. The growing plant also has a repellent effect on various insect pests such as the asparagus beetle and bean weevils[14, 20]. A yellow dye is obtained from the flowers[169]. The dried plant is burnt as an incense and to repel insects[238]. Dynamic accumulator.

Special Uses