Boiling water can be poured onto the ground up leaves and used in a decoction, alone or with other substances, and the fresh leaf can be crushed and blended and a juice extracted. A volatile oil can be extracted from the leaves and used in the treatment of asthma and bronchitis for which purpose it is sprayed onto the back of the throat and brings rapid relief. The leaves have an antibacterial action and have been shown to be effective against "Staphylococcus aureus", "Bacillus dysenteriae", "Bacillus subtilis", "Bacillus typhi", "Escherichia coli" and "Pseudomonas". The fine fibers of the plant have been used as a binding agent for the seal stamping paste. It has the ability to hold the oil and cinnabar pigment without drying for decades. These fibers also allow the stamp image to remain stable without blurring. Traditionally, no other fiber surpasses Chinese Mugwort in these qualities. The stamps, held with deep esteem, have a history of thousands of years use in China. They adorn documents, calligraphy, and artwork. It has been reported to be toxic but there is no scientific evidence for this.