Solomon's seal is used to treat lung disorders, reduce swelling (inflammation), and to dry out a tissue and draw it together (as an astringent). Some people apply Solomon's seal directly to the skin for bruises, ulcers, or boils on the fingers, hemorrhoids, skin redness, and water retention (edema).

玉竹性甘，微寒，歸肺、胃經，功效為養陰潤燥，生津止渴。 中醫多用於乾咳少痰、津少口渴、陽虛感冒等症，更可用於糖尿病。 藥理研究，玉竹可強心、降血糖，唯對胰島素水平並沒有任何影響。 玉竹的甲醇提取物對腎上腺素所引起的高血糖有顯著的降低作用，可改善口服葡萄糖引起的血糖升高。