The bright yellow flowers, which lure in a myriad of pollinator bugs in the fall, were used to make a yellow dye for clothing and crafts.
Boiled in water, the dried leaves and flowers were used by some tribes to soak arthritic joints to relieve pain and swelling.
Ceremonially, this species is considered potent medicine to treat someone who has been attacked or possessed by an unwanted spirit. Shoshone tradition uses it in this way to treat nightmares.
Note: many tribal members familiar with its ceremonial use will not speak of rabbitbrush to white people. Apparently, it can backfire and make things worse if used improperly.
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