In China, it is bechic, emmenagogue, and used for hemorrhoids. In Korea, the root bark is used for cough, gastric and intestinal upsets. The vermifuge properties do not act on round worms or earthworms. Resin extracted from the roots and leaves is a revulsive or vesicant. The disagreeable odor of the plant may cause some people to feel sleepy.
Seeds contain quassiin.
Gardeners who fell the tree may suffer rashes. The pollen can cause hay fever. Bark light brown or gray, smoothish, thin, becoming rough with long fissures and dark ridges. Male flowers with 10 stamens and disagreeable odor. It is listed as a serious weed in Australia and is widely spread, weedlike, in all temperate climates.