Snowberry is best known for treating external skin conditions, burns, injuries, and rashes. It can also be used as an eye wash. Internally, it needs to be used with caution as the saponins found in the plant can be toxic if eaten raw or in too high a dose. Once the saponins are cooked off, a decoction of snowberry has been used to fight fevers, colds, and tuberculosis. The plant has long been used safely by Native Americans as a medicine.