Traditional Uses: Traditionally used in Asian, African, and South American folk medicine as a digestive aid for bloating and cramps, as a febrifuge for fevers, for respiratory infections, and as a calming tea for anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Potential Benefits: May help relieve oral candidiasis (thrush) when used as a mouthwash and exhibits antifungal activity against Candida albicans; provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, though most evidence is from laboratory studies.
Warnings: Generally recognized as safe in food amounts, but high doses may cause dizziness, fatigue, or kidney toxicity; avoid therapeutic amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding; use cautiously with sedatives and diabetes medications.
