Amazing Health benefits of Goldenseal
As a well-known remedy in the United States and Canada, health benefits of goldenseal are quite enormous in that it is a medicinal plant effective against cold. It is a plant for the mouth, nose and throat.
It has interesting properties such as emmenagogue, antiseptic, stomachic, tonic, antibiotic, and laxative properties. Goldenseal affects the following:
- Stomach
- Liver
- Spleen
- Intestine
- Eyes and all mucous membrane
There are various health benefits of goldenseal and like Echinacea, it is nearly good for every disease. In essence, it is a powerful germ killer. When taken with any herb, it facilitates the tonic effects on the said organ being taken care of.
Goldenseal is a plant of the Ranunculacea family. It grows from 30 to 40 cm high. The stem grows from the underground root which is the rhizome.
Goldenseal has large, palm-shaped, dark green leaves. The part of the plant mainly used for medicinal purposes is the rhizome.
Properties regarding Health Benefits of Goldenseal
From the rhizome of the plant, we get diverse alkaloids such as hydrastine and berberine and others. Also, we can get essential oil, resins, sugars and vitamins A, B, and C as well as mineral salts. Phosphorus is the most significant in its mineral salts content.
The above mentioned substances effect the plant with so many health values such as antiseptic, hemostatic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Indications and health benefits of Goldenseal
With the above mentioned properties, we have the following health benefits of goldenseal. They are:
- Conjunctivitis (eye irritations): an infusion is employed in external use in the form of rinses, irrigations and washings.
- Nasal, pharyngeal and bronchial catarrh. Goldenseal helps in the regeneration of the cells of the mucous membranes, thereby reducing the production of the mucus and the congestion and also inflammation that comes with catarrh. Goldenseal is applied externally and internally
- Excessive menstruation and uterus hemorrhages. This is due to its constricting effect on the uterus. Therefore, goldenseal is recommended and must be under medical control.
- It can be used for vaginitis and leukorrhea. Externally used in cleansing and irrigations.
- It is also effective against inflammation of the gums.
Another one among the health benefits of goldenseal is that, it is quite effective for alcoholism, asthma, allergies, bad breath, bladder diseases, bronchitis, canker sore, cold and diabetes.
It is also good for chickenpox, eczema, hay fever, stomach ailments, hemorrhoid, herpes, indigestion and infections.
Its effects against inflammation, leukorrhea and liver problems are some of the health benefits of goldenseal. As a matter of fact, it is a douche for vaginal infections.
For a bowel tonic, use with cascara sagrada. According to natural remedies encyclopedia, as a retention edema, it will reduce swollen hemorrhoids. Using it against allergies, ulcers and several other disorders affecting the prostate, bladder, stomach and vagina are some of the health benefits of goldenseal.
During pregnancy, small dose of goldenseal helps relieve nausea but since it is a powerful alkaloid, it should not be overused. For most conditions, 3 capsules per day are enough and safe.
As stated above, with any herb, it increases the tonic effects on the organ you’re treating. Therefore:
- add it when conducting eyebright for the eyes, gotu kola for the brain, squaw vine for the female genito-urinary system and also cascara sagrada for the lower bowel.
- when treating ulcers of the stomach, combine goldenseal with myrrh and for prostate ailments, combine two parts of this plant (goldenseal) and a part of wild alum.
As it is, it improves the effectiveness of insulin and empowers the immune system.
Reducing blood pressure and the stimulation of the central nervous system are among the health benefits of goldenseal. It also effective in decreasing uterine bleeding and also facilitates the regulation of menses.
Preparation and Use
For internal use, some of the internal application have been mentioned already, infusion with a spoonful of rhizome per cup of water. Allow steeping until cold, every four hours, drink two spoonfuls.
For external use:
Rinse and gargles with the same infusion as mentioned above. The liquid employed for rinses and gargles may not be swallowed.
Also, eternally, goldenseal is used for the following:
- Burns
- Leukorrhea
- Canker sores
- Skin inflammation
- Inflammation of the eye
- Mouth sores, ringworm, tonsillitis and wounds.
Use a toothbrush or as an antiseptic mouthwash for gum infections or bleeding gums. For other throat problems, use it as a gargles as mentioned above. It can also be used on sores that are open, inflammations, eczema, ringworms or other skin conditions.
Uses
- Goldenseal Tincture: Take 20-90 drops 3 times a day
- Decoction: Cook or simmer 15-30 minutes, take 1-2 tsp. 3 times daily
- Powder: Take 2-5 #0 capsules 3 times daily.
- Infusion: check above for instructions.
Warnings
Consuming the fresh plant produces ulceration and inflammation.
Individuals suffering from insomnia and high blood pressure should avoid the use. Women who are at risk to miscarriage should avoid goldenseal because large doses contract the uterus.
Also remember that excessive use of goldenseal diminishes vitamin B absorption because it is capable of destroying certain intestinal bacteria.
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A graduate of Computer Science and Information Management Technology. Diploma – Caregiving, Certificates – Dementia and Diabetes Awareness and Management. A researcher, blogger, songwriter, singer and acoustic guitarist. Born in an environment where natural talents such as healing are imparted at our natural birth. This natural talents of healing is the result of our genetic inheritance and the training from family environment.