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Goldenseal
Hydrastis Canadensis
This extremely useful herb once grew in abundance along the East Coast and
woodlands of North America, where Native Americans used it as both a
brilliant yellow dye and a remedy for skin wounds and stomach upset. Also:
“I am informed that the Cheerake cure it (cancer) with a plant that is
thought to be the ’Hydrastis canadensis’.” ~ Benjamin Smith Barton, 1798.
The Cherokee also used it for indigestion, local inflammations and to
improve the appetite. The Iroquois employed Goldenseal for fevers, whooping
cough, liver disorders and heart problems. During the 1800s, Goldenseal
became favored of Thomsonian and Eclectic practitioners and was listed in
the U.S. “Pharmacopoeia” until 1926. It is a hardy perennial which dies back
in the winter, in its native habitat. It grows 6 to 12 inches tall with
hairy stems, toothed, lobed leaves and thick, knotted, yellow rootstalk. It
sprouts small greenish-white flowers (that don’t have petals) in late
spring, which turn into raspberry-like inedible fruits. Goldenseal likes to
grow in well-drained, moist, rich soil, partially shaded. It is propagated
by dividing the root in early autumn, which is to be encouraged. It has been
over harvested and is now scarce in its natural habitat of moist woodlands.
The yellow roots and rhizomes (underground stems) of Goldenseal are
harvested in the fall and dried for medicinal purposes USES Root - ~Because
it is antiseptic and astringent, Goldenseal is a prized remedy for both
internal and external ailments such as infections and inflammation. It is
recommended for sore throats, bleeding gums and eczema. The root is made
into a tincture, of which a few drops are taken to relieve constipation. Use
a mixture made with drops of the tincture and a little water as a wash or
compress for skin ulcers, eczema and itchy skin. Goldenseal is good for
gynecological problems, can help reduce menopausal symptoms, and can ease
menstrual pain or PMS symptoms linked with stagnation. It is used as a
general tonic in commercial remedies. A weak tea helps heal conjunctivitis,
is an antiseptic mouthwash for gum irritation and infections, and drops in
the ear heals an earache. Recent studies indicate that its alkaloid
components have tumor-fighting potential. Recipes and Methods of
Administration - TEA ~ As a gargle for bleeding gums, skin wash for eczema,
etc. Pour 1 c. boiling water over 1 tsp. of dried roots. Steep ½ hour,
strain, cool. Use as a gargle (or wash) 2 to 3 times a day until symptoms
subside.
TINCTURE ~ Fill a pint jar approx. 2/3
full of dried Goldenseal root. Fill the jar with 100 proof vodka (or ¾
Everclear (190 proof) plus ¼ water). Steep, shaking daily, for at least two
weeks. No need to strain, as the tincture is used by the dropperful. For
sore throat, take 10 drops Goldenseal tincture in 2 Tbsp. water, twice a
day.TINCTURE BLEND ~ Sinus infection or congestion: Mix ¼ oz. (½ Tbsp.)
Goldenseal tincture, ¼ oz. Sage tincture and 1 ½ oz. Echinacea tincture. Use
20 to 30 drops of this mix in 2 Tbsp. water, up to 3 times daily, for 3 to 5
days.
SYRUP ~ For stomach upset and diarrhea: mix ¼ tsp. Goldenseal powder (about
2 Nature’s Sunshine capsules) with 1 tsp. honey. Take syrup 2 times a day
for 3 or 4 days. Since Goldenseal is bitter, it is good to drink water after
taking the syrup.
CAUTIONS: Goldenseal must be avoided during pregnancy, as it
stimulates the uterus. Large doses can cause muscle spasms and numbness.
Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma or heart disease should
avoid using it. Do not use eardrops if there is a risk that the eardrum is
perforated. Eating the fresh plant can cause ulceration of the mucous
membranes.
(some information obtained from "The Complete Book of Herbs“,
by Leslie Bremness, from “The Complete Guide to Natural Healing”, section
‘Medicinal Plants, card # 1:83,from “The Complete Medicinal Herbal”, by
Penelope Ody, and from "Holistic Herbal", by David Hoffmann)
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