Goldenseal
Latin Name: Hydrastis canadensis
Alternate Names: Yellow Root, Orange Root, Ground Raspberry
Family: RANUNCULACEAE
Parts Used: Leaves, root, rhizome
Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Anticatarrhal, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic, Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Deobstruent, Diuretic, Hemostatic, Hypotensive, Laxative, Oxytocic, Tonic, Vasoconstrictor.
Internal Uses: Catarrh, Cholera, Colitis, Cystitis, Dysentery, Fever, Gastritis, Giardia, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis, Jaundice, Malaria, Tuberculosis
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
It is an anti-catarrhal for mucus. Goldenseal has shown activity against Staph, Strep, Chlamydia, diptheria, E. coli, Salmonella cholera, pneumonia, Giardia and Candida. It is very effective in drying up mucus membranes as well as constricting blood vessels, which can help stop bleeding.
Topical Uses: Acne, Athlete’s Foot, Candida, Congestion, Conjunctivitis, Corneal Inflammation, Ear Infection, Eczema, Gingivitis, Herpes, Impetigo, Leukorrhea, Mouth Sores, Nasal Polyps, Poison Ivy, Ringworm, Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Thrush, Trichomonas
Topical Applications: Wash for acne, athlete’s foot, poison ivy, eczema, impetigo and ringworm. Gargle for mouth sores, sore throat, thrush and gum infections. Used as a tooth powder for tooth and gum infections. Powder applied to herpes lesions. Eyewash for conjunctiitis and corneal inflammation. Eardrops (mixed with olive oil) for ear infections. Douche for leukorrhea, Candida and Trichomonas. Snuff for nasal congestion, nose polyps and sinus infection.
Energetics: Bitter, Cold, Dry.
Chemical Constituents: Alkaloids (berberine, hydrastine, canadine, berberastine, canadaline, hydrastinine), flavonoids, resin, albumin, starch, chlorogenic acid, calcium chromium, manganese, potassium, unsaturated fatty acids.
Contraindications: The plant is endangered in the wild, and the price has risen as the plant has become depleted. Only buy cultivated Goldenseal. Consider using Goldenseal leaf, instead of the root, to help conserve the plant. Avoid during pregnancy. It can elevate blood sugar levels in people who tend towards high blood sugar. Long term use can kill off friendly intestinal flora and reduce assimilation of B vitamins. Thus, avoid for people who are deficient in B vitamins. Avoid in cases of high blood pressure. Large amounts may cause diarrhea. The fresh plant can be irritating to mucus membranes. For short term use only. Stains clothing.
Comments: The genus name, Hydrastis, is from the Greek and means ‘water acting’, due to the effect Goldenseal has upon mucus membrane secretions. It is called Goldenseal because of the appearance of seals which are the result of the stalk dying down. This herb was much used by Native Americans who introduced it to early American settlers. It was used as face paint, clothing dye, insect repellant and as an application to wounds.
This herb has been listed by United Plant Savers as an ‘at risk’ plant, so please avoid buying products harvested from the wild. Only use the cultivated herb.
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