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GOLDENSEAL
Introduction: Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.)
is a highly valued medicinal herb which has been collected from the forests in
North America for hundreds of years. The historical range for goldenseal in the
United States was very broad, ranging from as far north as Vermont and
Wisconsin, south to Alabama and Georgia, and west to Kansas. It can still be
found growing in patches in moist, rich, hardwood forests in much of this area.
The core of the range now appears to consist of Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and
eastern Kentucky. Over the years, goldenseal has been referred to by a large
number of other names, including yellow root, ground raspberry, yellow puccoon,
wild circuma, eye-balm, yellow paint, wild turmeric, and yellow eye.
Unfortunately, high demand for goldenseal has caused a serious reduction in
native populations. As early as 1884, dramatic declines in wild populations due
to over harvesting and deforestation were documented. In North Carolina,
goldenseal is an endangered species, making harvest from public lands illegal.
In 1997, goldenseal was listed on Appendix II of the Convention for
International Trade on Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an
international treaty monitoring trade in threatened and endangered species. This
listing imposes controls on goldenseal trade designed to protect the species and
encourage sustainable use. This has not stopped people from collecting it,
however, and populations continue to decrease. Fortunately, cultivation of this
herb is fairly easy.
Goldenseal Beneficial Properties:
- Famous for use against sore throat and Strep throat
Effective against bladder infections
- Effective against protozoa, bacteria, and fungi, including Candida
albicans
Uses:
The medicinal properties of goldenseal are attributed to
the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine which are present in concentrations of 2
to 10%. Goldenseal contains an alkaloid called berberine that is antibiotic
against Streptococci and also prevents the attachment of Streptococci to the
throat. Berberine is also antifungal (works well against Candida albicans,
especially when used in combination with liquid Echinacea and Propolis) and
strongly anti-diarrheal.
Cherokee Indians used the bitter tasting root of goldenseal for many
purposes, e.g., as an antiseptic, a general health tonic, and to treat
snakebite. Iroquois Indians used it to treat whooping cough, pneumonia, and
digestive disorders. Early American pioneers used it primarily as an eyewash and
to treat sore throats, mouth sores, and digestive disorders. Commercial demand
for the root began in about 1860. It is now a top selling herb in North America
and can be found in many formulations in stores across the country. Current uses
include treatment of nasal congestion, mouth sores, eye and ear infections, and
as a topical antiseptic. It is commonly believed to help boost the immune system
and increase the efficacy of other medicinal herbs. It works wonders in
combination with Echinacea and Zinc lozenges and or Zinc Picolinate capsules, in
particularly at the onset of symptoms. Goldenseal, Echinacea, Propolis and Zinc
Lozenges and or Zinc Picolinate capsules should be in every medicine cabinet!
Description.—Goldenseal has a thick, yellow rootstock which sends up an
erect hairy stem about 1 foot in height which branches near the top, one branch
bearing a large leaf and another a smaller leaf and a flower. The leaves have
from five to nine lobes and when full grown are from 6 to 8 inches in diameter.
The greenish-white flower which appears in April or May is unattractive and
peculiar in form and is followed by a large, fleshy, berrylike head, which when
it ripens in autumn is bright red, resembling a large raspberry, and which
contains from 10 to 20 small, shining, hard, black seeds. The rootstock when
fresh is bright yellow externally and internally with fibrous rootless produced
from the sides he latter when dry are very brittle and are frequently broken off
when the root stocks are handled.
Part used.—The rootstock, collected in autumn after the seed is ripe, and
the leaves, gathered in the late summer.
How Much Goldenseal Should I Supplement?
As a dietary supplement, (liquid extracts seem to work best) 10 - 15 drops of
Golden Seal is used 2-3 times daily; higher amounts are used at the onset of
symptoms of the above conditions, as with the combination of Echinacea and
Propolis. Goldenseal will inhibit the effectiveness of hyaluronidase, an enzyme
secreted by microbes to dissolve mucous membranes and thusly gain entry into
your body.
Are There Any Side Effects With Goldenseal?
Goldenseal contains berberine, a mild oxytocic (stimulates contractions of
the uterus) and should not be used by pregnant women. Otherwise there are
none.
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