The bark is decocted and used for liver complaints, headaches, dry coughs, bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, sore throats, urogenital disorders, and as a heart tonic. A bark decoction is also widely known and used by rural people in Brazil for fevers of all kinds. The inner bark is made into a paste (or prepared as a standard infusion) to treat and prevent cavities and dental plaque. The bark is infused or macerated and used as a hair tonic and cleanser which reportedly treats and prevents dandruff and seborrhea. The bark is also prepared as a tincture and used externally for skin ulcers and other skin complaints. The leaves are prepared in an infusion and employed as a digestive aid for various complaints including dyspepsia, indigestion and gastric ulcers. The fruit juice (which is rich in vitamin C) is used topically on the skin and face to treat acne and to soften the skin.