Goldenseal

Goldenseal is one of the most commonly used herbs and has many uses.  But you may not know about all of them.  Goldenseal is a plant that is small and has a purple-colored stem.  However, its most interesting features are found in the soil.  It has a yellow-orange root and a short rhizome that’s looks yellowish brown.

The common names for goldenseal include yellow root, orange root, golden root, Indian turmeric, ground raspberry, jaundice root, and Indian paint.  But all of these names refer to the same plant.

Goldenseal works well as an astringent.  It can be used to clean external wounds and skin conditions.  If you’re suffering from ringworm, itching, eczema, or athlete’s foot, goldenseal can be used to treat the symptoms and help rid you of the external problems.

But goldenseal can also be used internally to treat digestive problems and colds.  Many women also use it to deal with menstrual problems such as excessive bleeding.  However, pregnant women shouldn’t use it because it can cause miscarriage.

Goldenseal has been shown to fight bacteria.  It can also treat fungal and protozoan infections.  It’s used worldwide to treat problems such as salmonella, shigella, amoebic dysentery, and can even be used to treat cholera.  And while these problems aren’t too common in the Western world, goldenseal can also be used to treat problems a little more close to home.

Goldenseal is good for treating fungal yeast infections in women when it’s used as a douche.  It can also help to lower your blood sugar and prevent or manage diabetes.  Using goldenseal can reduce even diseases such as cancer.  Some studies have shown that it shrinks tumors in animals.  You can also use goldenseal to treat a minor cut or infection.

If you’re using goldenseal, you need to make sure and use it properly.  Overdosing on it can cause problems such as nausea and vomiting.  It also stimulates the nervous system, as it’s important not to take too much as it could cause problems such as heart attack.  If you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or you’ve had a stroke, you should be particularly careful about taking it.

You can use goldenseal as an infusion or tincture taken internally.  Or you can use a tincture externally for minor wounds.   Goldenseal shouldn’t be given to children under the age of two.  When you begin using goldenseal, you should make sure to start with a weak preparation.