Todays Daily Health Tip for Billie! Goldenseal - One of America’s Most Popular Herbs by Jennifer Good Daily Health Tip ImageGoldenseal is considered one of the most popular herbs in the United States, especially when combined with echinacea. While most herbs have a steep history and have been imported from other cultures, goldenseal’s history is a little closer to home. This herbal remedy has a long tradition of use by the Native Americans. They prized the herb for its healing properties with common ailments such as sore eyes, skin issues, and digestive disorders. In fact, when medicinal supplies from England and other countries were in short supply, it was the Native Americans who introduced the herb to the early American settlers. Lucky for us that they did. Today, goldenseal is mostly used in combination with echinacea to create some of the most common natural cold and flu remedies and as part of intestinal support programs. However, the herb has a much broader usage. The main active compound in goldenseal is berberine. In test tubes, berberine has been shown to kill all sorts of bacteria, such as ones that typically lead to diarrhea (E. coli) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Goldenseal root’s uses include killing a wide range of germs, such as those that are linked to candida (yeast) infections, parasites, tapeworms, and even Giardia. And because of these antibacterial properties, berberine has even been used externally as a disinfectant. Goldenseal root is not only used to kill bacterial infections, but is a multi-purpose type of herb that provides immune system support and cleanses vital organs. For instance, the active ingredient berberine may activate white blood cells, making them more effective at fighting infection and strengthening the immune system. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities as well. This is why you will find goldenseal as an ingredient in Jon Barron’s Blood Support formula. Goldenseal root promotes the functioning capacity of the heart, the lymphatic and respiratory system, the liver, the spleen, the pancreas, and the colon. Because of these immune boosting effects, goldenseal is typically found in herbal remedies for hay fever, colds, and flu, and advised to be taken at the first signs of these conditions to help prevent further symptoms from developing. It is sometimes used to reduce fevers and relieve congestion and excess mucous. Like most natural remedies, goldenseal is not just an antibiotic or immune booster, but is also known to aid digestion and soothe upset stomach. Taken internally, goldenseal root increases digestive secretions, astringes the mucous membranes that line the gut, and helps promote the body’s natural inflammatory response system. Goldenseal also aids digestive health by promoting the production of saliva, bile, and other digestive enzymes. Since it stimulates appetite, it is effective when a low appetite is being experienced, and acts as a mild laxative, while assisting with peptic ulcers. In addition, it may control heavy menstrual bleeding by means of its astringent action. Other benefits that have been attributed to goldenseal include: Some studies show that goldenseal has an ability to lower cholesterol. May be able to prevent fluids and other substances from accumulating in the joints, which could help relieve joint pain. Can be used as a natural remedy to treat skin ulcers, rashes, abrasions, swelling, or inflammation. Goldenseal is an active ingredient in many herbal products designed for hair care and dandruff. It is considered an all-in-one tonic. It can be used to treat inflammation wherever the human mucus membrane is involved (throat, stomach, ears and eyes). Goldenseal can be used as a gargle in cases of gum infections and sore throats. It may also help with allergic rhinitis, hay fever, laryngitis, hepatitis, and cystitis. Goldenseal may be purchased in salve, tablet, and tincture form, or as a bulk powder. It is often used to boost the medicinal effects of other herbs it is blended or formulated with. However, Goldenseal dosage should be determined on an as needed basis since its antibiotic action, if taken continuously, may upset the natural balance of intestinal flora – and lead to a state of dysbiosis.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Nov 2014 18:43:05 +0000
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