Locally is used as an injection for blenorrhoea, as a gargle for sore throat or relaxed uvula, and a mouth wash to harden the gums.
"The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines"
T. H. Pardo de Tavera
The uvula, the pendulous tip of the soft palate, serves as a valve to more accurately adjust the opening behind the soft palate to the pitch of the voice.
"Resonance in Singing and Speaking"
Thomas Fillebrown
As the voice ascends the scale the tension of the soft palate is increased and it is elevated and the uvula shortened, thus decreasing the opening behind the palate, but never closing it.
"Resonance in Singing and Speaking"
Thomas Fillebrown