Properties and Uses: An alterative, tonic and astringent, laxative, and tonic that has come down from the ancients.    Can be used freely as a tonic and laxative in rheumatism, bilious complaints and as an astringent in piles, bleedings of the lungs, etc.   Largely used for diseases of the blood to purifier the blood and is used for everything from spring eruption to scurvy, scrofula, ulcers, and chronic skin diseases.   Also used in jaundice and as a tonic for the stomach.   As a laxative it is unbeatable in its operating without pain, or uneasiness.    Said to be especially effective for skin eruptions related to the menstrual cycle.

Used to brew a drink which contains less caffeine than coffee or black tea.    Used to help with weight loss as an appetite suppressant and help maintain weight management, stimulate metal alertness, energize the whole body, speed up the healing process, protect against stress, cleanse the colon, alleviate allergies, strengthen the immune system, detoxify the blood, reduce aging, stop insomnia, help restore hair color, improve digestion and repair gastrointestinal membranes, soften stools to help alleviate hemorrhoids, stimulate muscle metabolism, and stimulate the adrenal glands into producing natural corticosteroids.

Said to be one of the best decongestant herbs to use to decrease secretions and encourage healing of inflamed mucous membranes in all upper respiratory illnesses, bronchitis, asthma, hay fever, and sinusitis.   Also used in chronic gastritis and urinary irritations because it strengthens membrane capillaries, and for arthritis and rheumatism.    Used for hemorrhoids, and local application to insect bites, wounds, bruises, and sprains.

Used by the Southwestern Native Americans for hundreds of years to combat the pain and inflammation of arthritis and rheumatism, and to reduce inflammation.   Also used to strengthen the auto immune system and alleviate allergies, and in cystitis to break up mineral deposits.