Goldenseal

Goldenseal has a reputation as a herbal antibiotic and immune system enhancer. Native Americans used goldenseal as a medication for inflammatory internal conditions such as respiratory, digestive and genito-urinary tract inflammation induced by allergy or infection. The Cherokee used the roots as a wash for local inflammations, a decoction for general debility, dyspepsia, and to improve appetite. The Iroquois used a decoction of the root for whooping cough, diarrhoea, liver disease, fever, sour stomach, flatulence, pneumonia, and with whiskey for heart trouble. They also prepared a compound infusion with other roots for use as drops in the treatment of earache and as a wash for sore eyes.
Goldenseal is popularly used as a bitter stomach digestive (to help stimulate digestion and improve appetite), to treat skin inflammations, and those of the eyes such as conjunctivitis. Goldenseal is also used for inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat and digestive system. Goldenseal's traditional uses also include the treatment of peptic ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia and colitis. Goldenseal is said to stimulate appetite and generally have a toning effect on the whole body and has also been used for anorexia nervosa. Goldenseal is also said to be effective for treatment of catarrhal conditions of the upper respiratory tract and inflammations of the urinary tract.
Taken at the first signs of respiratory problems, colds or flu, Goldenseal can help to prevent further symptoms from developing. Goldenseal 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, therefore promoting healthy liver and spleen functions. Goldenseal can relieve constipation and may also be used to treat infections of the bladder and intestines as well.
The roots and rhizomes of goldenseal contain many isoquinoline alkaloids, including hydrastine, berberine, canadine, canadaline, and l-hydrastine as well as traces of essential oil, fatty oil and resin. It is believed that the alkaloids give Goldenseal its antibiotic, anti-infective and immune stimulating qualities.
In particular, it is the alkaloid berberine that is probably responsible for Goldenseal's effectiveness against bacteria, protozoa, fungi and Streptococci, and it also promotes easier removal of the bacteria by inhibiting their ability to adhere to tissue surfaces. Berberine is also anti-fungal and strongly anti-diarrhoeal. Goldenseal aids against the infection of mucous membranes such as the lining of the oral cavity, throat, sinus, bronchi, genito-urinary tract and gastrointestinal tract. Clinical studies have shown Goldenseal is effective in the treatment of diarrhoea caused by E. coli (traveller's diarrhoea), Shigella dysenteriae (shigellosis), salmonella paratyphi (food poisoning), giardia lamblia (giardiasis), and vibrio cholerae (cholera).
Goldenseal may also help with allergic rhinitis, hayfever, laryngitis, hepatitis, cystitis, and alcoholic liver disease.
Goldenseal has proven its value in cases of diarrhoea and haemorrhoids. Its astringent properties have also been employed in cases of excessive menstruation and internal bleeding. Externally, a wash can be prepared to treat skin conditions such as eczema and ringworm, as well as wounds and badly healing sores, or used as drops in cases of earache and conjunctivitis. The decoction is also said to be effective as a douche to treat trichomonas and thrush. As a gargle, Goldenseal can be employed in cases of gum infections and sore throats. The application of a paste or poultice containing goldenseal root is sometimes recommended for boils, abscesses and carbuncles on the grounds that Goldenseal helps to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.