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Goldenseal - Benefits of Golden Seal Herb

Botanical name: Hydrastis canadensis

Actions: Alterative, anti-diabetic, anti-emetic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antiperiodic, antiseptic, aperient, astringent, bitter tonic, cholagogue, deobstruent, depurative (antifungal), detergent, diuretic, heal-all, hemostatic (urine esp.), laxative, nervine, ophthalmic, oxytocic (stimulates uterine contractions), stomachic, vulnerary

Parts used : Root and dried rhizomes

Goldenseal root has been used by Native American healers for a wide range of ailments. The Indians used goldenseal for local inflammations and infections. The plant was also utilized to improve digestion as a bitter tonic and to treat ulcers. An infusion of the root was used as a soothing rinse for eye and skin infections. This popular North American herb grows wild in moist mountainous woodland areas. Goldenseal's long history of use among North Americans flourished after the Civil War as it was an ingredient in many patent medicines. It has been collected to the point of near extinction. Goldenseal supplies are diminishing and most is now wildcrafted, making herbal supplements costly.

Medical uses and benefits of Goldenseal

• One of nature's greatest "heal-all" herbs.
• A true tonic for the body.
• Not for long term use because of its accumulative properties.
• It increases gastric juices and digestive enzymes. It also increases the production and secretion of bile.
• Used to strengthen and tone the pancreas.
• Helps regulate blood sugars.
• Considered a source of natural insulin.
• Strengthens the nervous system.
• It has homeostatic properties, especially for the uterus.
• Tones the vascular system and helps increase circulation.
• A great anti-inflammatory, especially for the glandular system.
• Use for gastric and intestinal problems.
• Use in cancerous conditions.
• A gentle laxative.
• Use for drug and alcohol dependency.
• Helps eliminate catarrh (mucus) in the body, especially in the respiratory and GI tract tissues.
• Use in cystitis, prostatitis and nephritis.
• Excellent for hemorrhoids and hemorrhages.
• Use for HIV and venereal diseases.
• Has antiparasitic properties, and is antiseptic.
• Use for infections, wounds, sores, fissures, etc.
• Use in chronic skin conditions, eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis.
• Use in all types of prolapsed conditions, (uterus, intestinal, etc.).
• Makes a great eyewash.
• Tones and cleans the liver.
• Use for jaundice, hepatitis, etc.
• Use for ulcerated tissue.
• Use for tonsillitis, typhoid fever, malaria, meningitis, and mononucleosis.
• Use for boils, abscesses and tumors.
• Use as a mouthwash for gum conditions and canker sores.
• Great for ringworm and amoebic dysentery.

Cautions

• Not for use during pregnancy or by children under two. Children and older adults should take smaller doses.
• At doses of 2-3 gr. goldenseal can lower heart beat and at higher doses it can be paralyzing to the Central Nervous System (CNS).