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The Native American healing herb
Goldenseal contains two healing constituents: berberine and hydrastine. Berberine, the more important, is also the active chemical in barberry and Oregon grape. [1]
Modern herbalists recommend goldenseal externally as an antiseptic to clean wounds and as a treatment for eczema, ringworm, athlete's foot, itching, and conjunctivitis. Internally they prescribe it for digestive upsets and colds, as a douche, and to stop excessive menstrual flow and postpartum uterine bleeding. [2]
Goldenseal also remains a popular folk medicine. In "Hoosier Home Remedies," a 1985 survey of Indiana folk medicine, Varro Tyler, Ph.D., recently retired dean of the Purdue University School of Pharmacy, discovered the herb was used extensively as an astringent and antiseptic to treat canker sores, chapped lips, and many other external problems. [3]
Sources
1 Tyler, Varro. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York: Hawthorn Press, , 1994, p. 162.
2 Ibid.
3 Tyler, Varro. "Hoosier Home Remedies," presented at the American Herbal Products Association meeting, San Jose, CA, 1985.
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Latest News
Goldenseal has become so popular as an herbal antibiotic that the wild plant is being over-harvested to the point of endangerment. Biologists in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest note that wild goldenseal has become harder to find than wild ginseng, another over-harvested herb. Of the 27 states where goldenseal grows wild, 17 have declared it endangered. [4]
Existing Medical Research
Over-harvesting of wild goldenseal has led to adulteration, meaning that some "goldenseal" products may actually not contain the herb at all, or may contain smaller amounts than stated. Today, goldenseal is farmed, but adulteration continues to be a problem. Make sure you buy your goldenseal from a reputable source.
Goldenseal is a potent antiseptic and antibiotic. It treats bacterial, fungal, and protozoan infections, confirming its long history as a gastrointestinal remedy, particularly for infectious diarrhea. Berberine kills many of the bacteria that cause diarrhea, including Salmonella, Shigella, and Klebsiella. It is also effective against the protozoans which cause amebic dysentery (Endamoeba histolytica), and giardiasis (Giardia lamblia). Berberine can be used to treat several fungi, as well, including those that cause yeast infections (Candida albicans) and athlete's foot (Trichophyton mentagrophytes).
From the 1970s until recently, herbalists generally recommended goldenseal for any skin infection or internal infectious disease, no matter whether caused by bacteria, fungi, protozoans, or viruses. But recently, herbalists have tempered their recommendations. Goldenseal helps treat a broad range of bacteria, fungi, and protozoans, but not viruses, so it does not treat colds and flu. Internally, it works best for digestive ailments. [5]
Animal studies suggest some antitumor and heart-strengthening activity.
Sources
4 Concannon, J.A. and T.E. DeMeo. "Goldenseal: Facing a Hidden Crisis," Endangered Species Bulletin 11-97.
5 Bergner, P. "Goldenseal and the Common Cold," Medical Herbalism Winter 1996-97.
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Common Uses
Goldenseal may be helpful in treating:
- Wounds and cuts
- External bacterial and fungal infections
- Digestive ailments
- Menstrual disorders
- Eczema
- Ringworm
- Athlete's foot
- Conjunctivitis
- Yeast infections
Remember that no health claims for goldenseal have been evaluated by the FDA.
Historical and Folkloric Uses
The Indians of the American Northeast pounded goldenseal's root and used the yellow juice as a dye. They also used it in healing as an astringent eyewash, to help women recover from childbirth, and as a treatment for skin wounds, sore throat, and digestive complaints. [6]
Early settlers adopted the plant but didn't use it much until the early 19th century when Samuel Thomson (1769-1843), founder of Thomsonian herbal medicine, popularized it as an antiseptic. Thomson disliked the herb's Indian name, yellow root, and changed it to goldenseal. He took the "golden" from its color and the "seal" from the circular scars on the root, the remains of previous years' annual stems, which resembled the circular wax seals used to keep correspondence private in the days before glue-sealed envelopes.
Thomsonian herbalism fell from fashion by the Civil War, but goldenseal remained a popular antiseptic. It was used externally to treat hemorrhoids, pinkeye (conjunctivitis), eczema, boils, and wounds, and internally as a treatment for digestive ailments, colds, tonsillitis, diphtheria, uterine problems, postpartum hemorrhage, and as a tonic during convalescence from any major illness.
After the Civil War, the golden herb enjoyed a Golden Age. It was an ingredient in many patent medicines, notably Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery, a popular tonic.
Dosage and Administration
Recommended oral dosage:
- Capsules: Take one to two capsules up to three times daily.
- Extract: Mix five to 10 drops in liquid up to three times daily.
- Powder: Dissolve one teaspoon in one pint of hot water. Let the mixture stand until cool. Take one to two teaspoons three to six times daily.
Also refer to manufacturer's recommended dosage.
Storage
Refer to manufacturer's instructions.
Source
6Weiner, M. and J. Weiner. Herbs That Heal. Mill Valley, CA: Quantum Books, 1994, pp. 173-174.
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How to Use Goldenseal Safely
Follow package directions.
Goldenseal is generally regarded as safe in recommended doses. But larger doses may cause mouth and throat irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Allergic reactions are possible. This herb should not be used for more than two weeks at a time. If symptoms being treated do not improve significantly within two weeks, consult a physician.
Pregnant women should not use goldenseal, as it may stimulate uterine contractions. [7] Goldenseal should also be avoided by people with a history of high blood pressure. Hypoglycemic people should avoid taking the root internally.
Possible Side Effects
High doses of goldenseal may cause:
- Mouth and throat irritations
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Paresthesias (numbing and tingling sensations)
- Exaggerated reflexes
- Hypertension
- Convulsions
- Death from respiratory failure and CNS stimulation
Moderate doses may cause:
- Peripheral vasoconstriction
- Increased cardiac output
- Pupillary dilation
Ingesting the fresh plant may cause inflammation of the mucous tissue.
Goldenseal can inhibit B-vitamin production by your colon after prolonged use.
Source
7 Weiner, M. and J. Weiner. Herbs That Heal. Mill Valley, CA: Quantum Books, 1994, pp. 173-174.
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Sources & Further Reading
Books- American Botanical Council. The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston: American Botanical Council/Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998.
- Castleman. M. The Healing Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1991.
- Duke, J. The Green Pharmacy. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1997.
- Tyler, V. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. New York: Pharmaceutical Products Press/Hawthorn Press, 1994.
- Weiner, M. and J. Weiner. Herbs That Heal: Prescription for Herbal Healing. Mill Valley, CA: Quantum Books, 1994.
- Werbach, M. and M. Murray. Botanical Influences on Illness. Tarzana, CA: Third Line Press, 1994.
Articles
- Anon. "Goldenseal," Review of Natural Products 5-94.
- Bergner, P. "Goldenseal and the Common Cold," Medical Herbalism Winter 1996-97.
- Concannon, J.A. and T.E. DeMeo. "Goldenseal: Facing a Hidden Crisis," Endangered Species Bulletin 11-97.
- Snow, J.M. "Hydrastis Canadensis," Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine 2:2:25.
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