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Goldenseal
(Hydrastis canadensis)
DESCRIPTION
Goldenseal root has been long used by Native Americans for
a wide range of ailments. Known as an antibiotic and anti-infectious
agent, it has also been implemented in the form of a douche
to clear yeast infections. Goldenseal works by stimulating
bile production and secretion, and by destroying noxious bacteria.
It has also been known to improve digestion. Goldenseal is
often used to treat the Common Cold, either singly or in combination
with Echinacea.
HERBAL USES
Traditionally, Native Americans
used goldenseal as a dye, as well as a treatment for Skin
disorders, digestive problems, liver disease, Diarrhoea, and
eye irritations.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
For Skin Wounds, use a sufficient
amount of goldenseal cream, ointment, or powder to cover the
wound. Clean the wound at least once a day to remove residual
herb particles that may be trapped in the wound.
For mouth sores and Sore
Throats, gargle or swish goldenseal tincture. An alternative
is boiled tea, using 0.5 to 1 g of goldenseal in one cup of
water.
For vaginal candidiasis,
use goldenseal tea as a douche.
For digestive tract or clogged
sinuses, take an oral dosage of 250 to 300 mg goldenseal three
times daily for no more than a couple of weeks.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Goldenseal helps in the
management of:
Wounds:
Goldenseal appears to speed the healing of wounds. As a topical,
it is available as a salve, cream, powder, or ointment. While
there are no conclusive scientific studies to support its
use, goldenseal is known to contain berberine, a substance
with strong antibacterial and antifungal properties (1,2).
Goldenseal may also alleviate Inflammation of the mucous membranes.
Infections:
Goldenseal does not seem to be effective as an oral antibiotic
(3). However, it seems to be an effective antibacterial when
in direct contact with an Infection. Goldenseal may therefore
be helpful in the treatment of Sore Throats, digestive tract
diseases (i.e. Ulcers), Bladder Infections, as well as fungal
infections of the Skin.
Common Cold:
A popular remedy for the treatment and prevention of the Common
Cold is a combined formula of goldenseal and Echinacea. It
is believed that the formula is effective as an Immune System
booster and an antibiotic. While Echinaceamay
increase immunity, there is no conclusive evidence that goldenseal
has such properties. Moreover, antibiotics are not effective
treatment for the common cold (4). What goldenseal may provide
is relief of clogged sinuses and chest congestion. However,
there is no scientific evidence to support this claim either.
Goldenseal may also be effective
for the treatment of nausea, gas, and Heartburn.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Goldenseal appears to be
quite safe. Side effects are uncommon, and have been limited
to gastrointestinal distress and increased Nervousness when
taken in high doses. Rumours that goldenseal can disrupt normal
intestinal bacteria, cause ulcerations in the stomach and
other mucous membranes are untrue (5, 6).
The use of goldenseal while
pregnant is not advised, for it has been shown to cause uterine
contractions in animals.
Safety in young children,
nursing or pregnant women, and patients with severe liver
or kidney disease has not been determined (7).
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Avoid topical application
in conjunction with the Acne medication tretinoin (retinoic
acid, Vitamin A
acid).
Sedatives, hypnotics, and
beta-adrenergic blocking agents may inhibit the anti-inflammatory
activity of the herb.
REFERENCES
1. Hahn FE, et al. Berberine.
Antibiotics 3: 577-588, 1976.
2. Amin AH, et al. Berberine sulfate: Antimicrobial activity,
bioassay, and mode of action. Can J Microbiol 15: 1067-1076,
1969.
3. Bensky D and Gamble H. Chinese herbal medicine: Materia
medica. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press, 1986.
4. Bergner P. The healing power of echinacea and goldenseal.
Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1997.
5. Bergner P. The healing power of echinacea and goldenseal.
Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1997.
6. Foster S. Botanical Series No. 309: Goldenseal. Austin,
TX: American Botanical Council, 1991: 5-6.
7. DeSmet PAGM, et al. (eds.). Adverse effects of herbal drugs.
Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1992: 97-104.
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