Common uses as tea

• Warming and flavorful
• Warms digestive organs
• Stimulates digestive secretions
• Increases amylase in saliva
• Facilitates digestion of starchy foods
• Reduces inflammation and pain by inhibiting prostaglandin production
• Strengthens the tissues of the heart muscle
• Activates the immune system
• Relives nausea
• Improves circulation
• Can relieve morning sickness *see contraindications

Topical Uses

• Compress for arthritic joints, sore muscles, & toothaches to relieve pain
• Place over the kidneys to aid in the passing of stones, and relieve the pain
• Placed over the back or chest it can help relieve asthmatic symptoms
• Used in a bath for chills, sore muscles, sciatica, & poor circulation
• Used as a tea for a sore throat gargle
• Footbath to treat athletes foot

Contraindications

• Pregnant women should not consume more than 1-gram daily
• Avoid in hot inflammatory conditions such as peptic ulcers, or hyperacidity
• May cause adverse reactions with anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin or aspirin