Goldenseal herb is a good alternative medicinal benefit for colds and flu

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) medicinal herb is a perennial and herbaceous plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae.  It is native to Southeastern Canada and the Northeastern United States. It is believed that the Cherokee Indians were the primary set of people who first recommend it to the early settlers.

The common names are Yellow paint root, Orange root, Yellow puccoon, Eye balm, Eye root, Goldenroot, Jaundice root, Ground raspberry, Yellow Indian plant, Yellow Indian paint, Indian plant, Yellow paint, Chinese golden root, Golden seal and Turmeric root. 

Golden seal inherited its name from the fact that it portrays bright beautiful yellow colors and the main part used for medicine is the root. The root contains berberine, an antimicrobial ingredient, which is partly responsible for its yellow color.

In addition the alkaloids, berberine as well as hydrastine which are ingredients found in the root,  will help to combat infectious diseases. It is the berberine that makes it so bitter but this bitterness is relatively good for digestion and it can also calm the central nervous system stimulates bile secretion. These are the two ingredients that make it so powerful.

The medicinal properties are alternative, anti-catarrhal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent, bitter tonic, laxative, and muscular stimulant.

History of goldenseal herb

Also referred to as golden seal for hundred of years the root has been utilized as a treatment for illnesses and disorders. It has developed a distinctive character as a natural antibiotic as well as a remedy for various gastric conditions.

Since the 1800s, it was a hot topic in medical writings. Writers which include Benjamin Smith Barton mentioned it as a cancer remedy. It was one of the first researched done in regards to treatment of cancer amidst the various groups of American Indians.

This herb may be purchased in salve, tablet, tincture form, or as a bulk powder. It is often used to boost the medicinal effects of other herbs it is blended or formulated with.

Its thick yellow root is used medicinally as an astringent and a tonic and the name is derived from the golden color of the root. This plant has a cure-all reputation.

Health benefits of goldenseal

Having a cure-all reputation, goldenseal medicinal benefits are very wide indeed. It is often used as a multipurpose remedy, having many different medicinal properties, in addition to working as a topical antimicrobial. In other words it can kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi on the skin.

It is a medicinal herb for skin ailments such eczema, open sores, ringworm, as well as erysipelas and it can also be taken internally as a digestion aid, and can remove canker sores when gargled.  It is also used to treat gum disease, such as pyorrhea.

Golden seal is useful in menorrhagia or metrorrhagia from displaced uterus, postpartum hemorrhage, catarrhal, ulcerating, aphthous, indolent and otherwise unhealthy conditions of mucous surfaces, leucorrhea, gallstones, acute inflammations, la grippe, liver troubles and breast swellings associated with the menses.

It is said that smoker's sores which affect the mouth, will heal after putting the medicinal powder to the sores.

It was utilized as a Native American herbal for various conditions such as skin ailments, sores and wounds as well as sore eyes. Therefore, goldenseal is a very excellent eye wash. It may be combined with other herbs as well as used alone.

It is listed as being useful for functional disorders of the stomach, catarrhal gastritis, atonic dyspepsia, chronic constipation, hepatic congestion, cirrhosis, protracted fevers, cerebral engorgement of a chronic character, uterine subinvolution.

Herbalists recommend it for colitis, duodenal ulcers, loss of appetite and liver disease.

It has been so prized that it has often been extremely expensive.  It is good for the immune system, nervous system, cardiovascular system and digestive system.  Many individuals think that it is the best remedy to enhance the immune system.

Precaution

Do not take this medicinal herb during pregnancy or nursing and do not take goldenseal for a long period of time without some rest.

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