Goldenseal

Goldenseal naturally grows in southern areas of Canada and northern areas of the States, commercially it is easy to grow almost globally. Unfortunately due to over-harvesting goldenseal has become difficult to find growing in the wilds, this is also in-part due to loss of habitat caused by hazardous mining methods.

Before it was adopted by American folk medicine it was used extensively by the Native Americans for its antiseptic properties, and its ability to reduce inflammation and correct certain stomach ailments. Topical application for goldenseal was widely popular among the Indians and was quickly adopted by Americans who used it for similar ends, as it was highly antimicrobial (which means it kills fungi virus’ -and- bacteria) and was a safe way to treat skin-related infections of the time (before they had used dangerous chemicals and toxins such as mercury, if you read up on how syphilis was treated before antibiotics you’ll understand what I mean).

It would seem that through current medicine’s acceptance of its ability to reduce inflammation both topically and ingested, and its history of being used for such illnesses that one could conclude its guaranteed effectiveness at doing so.. I personally would recommend using it for swelling related to bug bites, or allergies or even HPV for this purpose, or for a high fever or prolonged cough.

Goldenseal has also been used effectively for eye infections when applied topically, pink-eye or HPV in particular were especially noted. (1 tsp of powder to a cup of liquid)

The mucous membranes can become stuffed or may refuse to flow because of a persistent cold or flu, goldenseal has been proven to both increase the flow of mucous when necessary and decrease flow when there was too much, this effect hasn’t been explained by current medicine (though is reaffirmed by history of traditional use). Unlike other treatments I have written about goldenseal has applications aside from ingestion, such as its use for the mucous membranes, you have to let it sit in your mouth to feel the effects of it (probably not good to use strictly ground powder, should mix it with water or a drink to disguise its bitter flavor at approx a ratio of 1 tsp to a cup). -This effect is still attained to a lesser degree with consumption if not in pill form.

Most infectious causes of diarrhea (e.coli and salmonella for instance) have been found to be able to be treated with goldenseal, probably due to its alkaloid content, this is reaffirmed by current medical science. Similarly to ginger spice, goldenseal increases bile secretion which is helpful against any and all stomach ailments (including infectious) and discomforts.

This plant will also naturally reduce the level of sugar in your blood, and would be useful for preventing diabetes if you have a high congenital risk, or even to take it for proper pancreatic health on days of sugar splurging.

You should pay caution when using goldenseal if you regularly take anti-depressants (or nueroleptics), as it inhibits your body’s ability to metabolize ingredients in said products and can lead to toxicity.

Goldenseal has potential positive benefits for infections of every degree, and in herbology is used in conjunction with other herbs for a number of infections.. Taking it on its own isn’t often advised.

Sorry that I only scratched the surface of its uses, there’s just too much that isn’t confirmed properly.

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