In West Africa, the roots are used to make a very energizing drink for wedding parties; the root can be extracted with alcohol.
In South Africa, the roots are used to make a refreshing beer, and root infusions also have aphrodisiac properties.
Roots are also used as an aphrodisiac in Zimbabwe.Unspecified parts (probably the roots) are used for impotence by the Shambala.
Roots are used for body pain by the Bondei.
The roots are said to taste bitter at first and then sweet. They are also said to taste like liquorice, or ginger without its pungency, and have a vanilla-like odor. The roots are used to make a type of ginger-beer.