The wood was used in sacred fires at Beltaine and in water divination. The nuts of the tree are associated with the wisdom of the Otherworld. Mountain Radish, Great Raifort, Red Cole. Used against facial neuralgia, rheumatic or palsied limbs, indigestion, hoarseness, sciatica, joynt-ache, hard swellings of the spleen and liver, whooping cough, and acne. Employed to induce vomiting and sweating, and to stimulate the entire nervous system.
Metals turn black when touched by the root.
The juices have been used to remove natural markings and pigmentation of the skin. Widespread culinary use as a condiment and 'spice'. The plant is conspicuously green even during the coldest months of winter, and the flowers have no scent, both of these are seen as Otherworldly properties. The later custom among the common folk of decorating houses and churches at Christmastide with ivy was discouraged as being 'pagan'. The bruised plant destroys lice and vermin.