The Goldenseal Herb(Western Herb)
LATIN NAME: Hydrastic canadensis Goldenseal herb is also known as Yellow root, Eye root, Wild Turmeric, Ground Raspberry, Indian dye, and Indian paint. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION: Goldenseal is a North American herb that grows wild in the rich soil of damp meadows and shady, moist woodlands from Connecticut to Minnesota. It only grow to a height of about one foot. Goldenseal plant has a thick yellow root that produces two or more erect stems. These stems produce large, soft leaves that are divided into five to seven lobes. At the end of the stem a small, solitary, greenish-white flower buds and develops into an edible raspberry-like fruit. Goldenseal herb has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COLD. To counteract the cold tendency, combine it with Osha which is a warming herb. The Benefits of Goldenseal: Goldenseal is taken at the first signs of a cold, flu, or sore throat can stop it from developing.Berberine, one of the constituents of golden seal, in laboratory test have been shown to be toxic to fungal cells and to some type of cancer cells. It also appears to activate white blood cells to fight infections. TARGET AILMENTS: Take internally for: * canker sores * cold sores * colds * influenza * sore throats * coughs * sinusitis * catarrh * blood poisoning * allergies * hay fever * aiding digestion * regulates menses * vaginal yeast infection * urinary infections * infectious diarrhea * stimulates the central nervous system * strengthens the immune system, colon, liver, pancreas and spleen * strengthens the respiratory and lymphatic systems * Periodontal disease * acute rhinitis * fighting infection and inflammation * increasing the effectiveness of insulin Use externally for: * eczema * ringworm * pruritis * earache/ear infection * stye * staph * sprinkle the powder on wounds to stop bleeding Use as a wash: * conjunctivitis * acute eye inflammation PREPARATIONS: Golden seal is available over the counter in health food stores in tincture, tablet, capsule, bulkherb, powder, and extract. Golden seal can be used as a tea, infusion, salve, and douche. Parts used: Rhizome (underground stem), roots Collection: Goldenseal can take up to four years to reach harvest size. When the plant is mature enough the rhizomes are taken from the ground in autumn. Constituents: Berberine, hydrastine Actions: Astringent, antiseptic, anti-microbial, anti-spasmodic, tonic, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, laxative, cholagogue, emmenagogue Combinations: Goldenseal combines well with Meadowsweet and Chamomile for stomach conditions. Goldenseal combines well with Beth Root to help with uterine hemorrhage. Goldenseal combines well with distilled Witch Hazel for an external was for itching and irritation. Goldenseal combines well with Mullein for ear drops. SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS: * Goldenseal herb should be avoided during pregnancy because it stimulates the involuntary muscles of the uterus. * In large doses, golden seal can irritate the skin, mouth, throat, and vagina. * Golden seal can cause nausea and diarrhea, if this develops, stop using immediately. * Do not give Golden seal to children under the age of two. * Older children and adults should start with small doses. * Golden seal should not be used for prolonged periods.
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