Other uses for the plant and its extracts are in weight-loss programs because of its ability to reduce the cravings for sweet and fatty foods. The plant has also been used to treat the diseases diabetes, hypoglycemia, candidiasis, high blood pressure, skin abrasions and inhibiting growth and reproduction of bacteria-like plaque.

The dried, ripe berries of the common buckthorn were used as a purgative in the 9th century. The dried berries can be eaten or an infusion made from them has a purgative effect, even for chronic constipation. Taken hot, it induces perspiration and lowers fever. Small doses are mild laxative, helps eliminate toxins, treat gallstones, lead poisoning, gout, rheumatism, dropsy, ointment relieves itching, reduces fever if given hot, expels parasites and worms, skin diseases. The ointment is effective for treating warts.

Compounds isolated from the ginger rhizome have been studied in numerous in vitro and animal experiments. Other studies show that ginger root is positively inotropic, antithrombotic, has antioxidant, anti-migraine, and antilipidemic effects, and promotes secretion of saliva, gastric juices, and bile.

Specific Indications and Uses.—Loss of appetite; flatulence; borborygmus; spasmodic gastric and intestinal contractions; painful menstruation; acute colds; cool extremities; and cold surface in children's diseases

Fruit peel (pericarp); the fruit juice is also a valuable food additive. Candied orange peel (orange succade) is prepared from the thick-skinned bitter orange, a closely related species (see below). Extracts and distillates won from orange blossoms play an important rôle in perfume industry. Orange blossom water (neroli water) is a watery distillate popular for flavouring sweets and drinks.

Tea contains polyphenols, these are antioxidants that help to protect the body against heart diseases, stroke and cancer. The leaves are cardiotonic, diuretic, stimulant and astringent. Tea has even been shown to prevent tooth decay due to its high fluoride content. Tea has a decided influence over the nervous system, giving a feeling of comfort and exhilaration, but also producing an unnatural wakefulness when taken in large doses.

Research demonstrates that green tea guards against cardiovascular disease in many ways. Green tea lowers total cholesterol levels and improves the cholesterol profile (the ratio of LDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol), reduces platelet aggregation, and lowers blood pressure.

The polyphenols in green tea have also been shown to lessen the risk of several types of cancers, stimulate the production of several immune system cells, and have antibacterial properties-even against the bacteria that cause dental plaque.

Breaks up Stagnant Qi and reduces Accumulations; used for epigastric or abdominal pain and distension or indigestion with Focal Distension or gas. Directs the Qi downward and moves stool: frequently used for abdominal pain and constipation caused by Accumulation and Stagnant Qi. Cautions and contraindications: Use cautiously during pregnancy or in any case where the Normal Qi is weak. Use cautiously in patients with Cold Deficient Stomach.

Echinacea was used by American Indian tribes; including, Cheyenne (sore mouth and gums), Choctaw (coughs, dyspepsia), Comanche (toothache, sore throat), Crow (colds, toothache, colic), Dakota (inflammation, bowel complaints, sepsis, tonsillitis, hydrophobia, toothache, snakebite; headache and distemper of horses), Delaware (gonorrhea), Hidatsa (stimulant), Kiowa (coughs, sore throat), Meskwaki (stomach cramps, fits), Omaha (septic diseases, stings), Omaha-Ponca (eyewash, hair comb), Pawnee (rattlesnake bites) and Winnebago (anesthetic) (Institute of Natural Products Research, 2000; citing, Hobbs, 1989).

- Allergies - Anemia (alternative to black tea)- Antioxidant- Antimutagenic- Burns- Cleansing, Detoxifying

- Colic, Stomach Upset- Constipation- Digestive Disorders- Eczema- Headaches and Migraine

- Heart Health Maintenance- HIV Infectio- Immune System- Liver Health Maintenance- Nutritive

- Radiation Poisoning- Respiratory Health Maintenance- Skin Disorders- Sleep Disorders- Sugar Regulation