Herb leaves are used. It contains hydroxianthracenes, acemannan and glycomannan. Attributed properties: laxative and healing effect on wounds. Indication according to Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: constipation. Excessive or long-term use may lead to severe diarrhea, dehydration and liver toxicity. At latest update, relevant published data on excretion into breast milk were not found.As an active laxative compound it can lead to colicky abdominal pain. Because excretion into breast milk is possible, avoiding it while breastfeeding is advisable. Non-toxic when topically used. Without proof of efficacy it is used to treat nipple's crackles or pain. If applied on the breast, cleanse it thoroughly before nursing to avoid swallowing by the infant. Risk of diarrhea or refusing to latch-on because of bad taste would increase.