Central Plains Native American men would rub the ground seeds into their palms as a love potion before shaking hands with a loved one. It was also reported to have made them more persuasive when speaking at councils. Very small amounts of the crushed seeds were taken internally to relieve headaches.

Some tribes boiled the entire plant and used the resulting liquid as a type of shampoo or hair wash. The seeds were also rubbed into the hair to control lice. The chewed root or a weak tea made from the root was used to relieve diarrhea and stomach troubles and as a diuretic. Some cultures on the west coast boiled the roots and ate them during times of little other food.

Medicinal Uses:
Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve. The root is astringent and diuretic. It is chewed or made into a weak tea for the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach aches. The tea is used in the treatment of uterine bleeding. The boiled plant was used as a hair wash. The seed is anodyne and febrifuge. An infusion is used in the treatment of headaches and fevers.

Other Uses:
The seed is rubbed into the scalp to rid the hair of lice. The crushed seed is pleasantly aromatic and is used as a perfume. The fragrance persists for a long time.

Herbal Uses: Unknown

Edible Uses:
Raw Flowers: Sweet and delightful. Rich in nectar, they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden. Root: These reports possibly refer to the root being chewed for its medicinal virtues. Caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.