Goldenseal Root,Echinacea's partner, broad-spectrum herbs and its uses.
Article Content:
- .Basic Botanical Data of Goldenseal.
- .Goldenseal Brief Introduction.
- .Phytochemicals and Constituents.
- .Benefit Applications and Common Remedy Uses.
- .Dosage,Safety and Suggestions.
- .Goldenseal History.
- .The Goldenseal Trade.
- .Research Update:Goldenseal,Hydrastis canadensis.
Goldenseal Brief Introduction.
Goldenseal was used by the American Indians as a treatment for irritations and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts. It was commonly used topically for skin and eye infections. Because of its anti-microbial activity, goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, and vaginal infections. Goldenseal is often recommended in combination with echinacea for the treatment of colds and flu.
Goldenseal is also known by the names Yellow Root, Orange Root, Eye Root, Indian Turmeric, and Jaundice Root. Goldenseal is a native North American herb that grows in the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding areas. The Cherokee Indians, who introduced it to early American settlers, not only valued the root of this plant for health purposes, but also for its yellow dye which was used as face paint, clothing dye, insect repellant and as an application to wounds. Once widely available in the wild, the plant has been largely over-harvested, and is now mostly available through commercial cultivation. The genus name, Hydrastis, is from the Greek meaning "water acting", due to the effect Goldenseal has upon mucous membrane secretions.
Known primarily as echinacea's partner, Goldenseal Root is a powerful herb on it's own. Herbalists love Goldenseal for its cleansing, immune-nourishing properties. This herb contains berberine and other natural compounds having numerous health benefits. Taken at the first signs of respiratory problems, colds or flu, Goldenseal can help prevent further symptoms from developing.
Considered to be a "broad-spectrum" herb, Goldenseal is extremely popular and very much in demand. Goldenseal's numerous uses are attributed to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It soothes irritated mucous membranes aiding the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Taken at the first signs of respiratory problems, colds or flu, Goldenseal helps prevent further symptoms from developing. It has also been used to help reduce fevers, and relieve congestion and excess mucus. Goldenseal cleanses and promotes healthy glandular functions by increasing bile flow and digestive enzymes, thereby regulating healthy liver and spleen functions. It also eases inflamed peptic ulcers, aids digestion and relieves constipation. Goldenseal may be used to treat infections of the bladder and intestines as well. It's properties are largely due to its alkaloids, which include berberine, hydrastine and canadine. Because demand for the herb is high and supplies are low, Goldenseal is one of the most expensive herbs on the market.
Goldenseal is a highly valued medicinal herb belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to the open woodland areas of the northeastern United States. It grows naturally on the forest floor and so requires shade to grow successfully.
The plants over winter as a rhizome, with leaves emerging relatively early in the spring. The stems grow to about 30cm and generally have two large, slightly hairy leaves. The plant produces a small white flower, which develops into a green berry. The berry turns bright red when the seeds are ripe.
The medicinal properties of Goldenseal are attributed to the alkaloids, hydrastine and berberine, which are used as a muscle stimulant, antihaemorrhagic and as a laxative. Goldenseal also has some antibacterial properties, and is believed to help boost the immune system. Extracts from the plant can also be used for the treatment of nasal congestion, mouth sores, eye infections, ringworm, haemorrhoids, acne, and as an antiseptic.
Some common Facts of Goldenseal:
Goldenseal is one of the five top-selling herbal products in the United States. However, there is little scientific evidence about its safety or effectiveness. Goldenseal can be found in dietary supplements, eardrops, feminine cleansing products, cold/flu remedies, allergy remedies, laxatives, and digestive aids.
Goldenseal is often found in combination with echinacea in treatments for upper respiratory infections, and is suggested to enhance the effects of echinacea. However, the effects when these agents are combined are not scientifically proven.
Goldenseal has been used by some people due to the popular notion that detection of illegal drugs in urine may be hidden by use of the herb, although scientific information is limited in this area.
The popularity of goldenseal has led to a higher demand for the herb than growers can supply. This high demand has led to the substitution of other herbs such as Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis Fransch.) and Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium [Pursh] Nutt.), that do not contain exactly the same isoquinoline alkaloids, and may not affect the body in the same way as goldenseal.
In 1997, Hydrastis canadensis was placed on the Convention on Inernational Trade in Endangered Species Appendix List II, due to it's over collection in the wild.This medicinal plant is a slow growing perennial native to hardwood forests in the Eastern USA. Native Americans, well aware of its medicinal benefits, included the plant in their diets and shared this knowledge with early settlers who quickly began using it.
Reference:
1.Goldenseal Root,Echinacea's partner, broad-spectrum herbs and its uses.
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