Bark from the common catalpa was once made into tea used as an antiseptic agent, and antidote for snakebites, a laxative, a sedative, and as a worm expellant.  The leaf poultice may be applied to wounds and abrasions to promote healing.  Tea from the seeds may be used to treat asthma, bronchitis, or externally as a wound treatment.  The pods contain a sedative and may also contain compounds with cardio active properties.

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Foster, S. and J. A. Duke.  1990.  Peterson Field Guides: Eastern / Central Medicinal Plants.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.