Goldenseal is anti-biotic and anti-viral. The main active ingredients are substances called berberine and hydrastine. Both of these are able to wipe out bacteria and viruses.
Native Americans found golden seal useful for skin diseases, treating wounds, and inflammation in the eyes.
Early medical reference books show golden seal being used as a tea to help with stomach indigestion. Today we find it used to treat cold and flu symptoms. It is also being used for the antibacterial properties.
This herb is also in use for stomach problems, urinary tract infections and as a general tonic to boost the entire immune system. Many have said that it posses anti-inflammatory properties that help with inflamed membranes in the eyes, ears, nose, throat and stomach. It is also said to help regulate blood sugar levels, aid in digestion and relieve cases of constipation.
Goldenseal is found many times in combination with other herbs such as Echinacea. These two herbs tend to complement each other.
You can find goldenseal in whole root form, capsule, tablet or tincture. Herbalist suggest taking extracts that are standardized (says it on the label) to contain 8-12% alkaloids. In capsule or tablet form suggested use is 250-500 mg three times per day. If taking the whole root the suggested amount is 4-6 gm per day, best in powdered form.
Goldenseal shouldn’t be taken in large doses. Don’t take goldenseal longer than three weeks without about a two break in between. This is because of the alkaloids mentioned earlier which can cause gastrointestinal distress. But again this is why it is suggested not to use goldenseal in excess or for longer than three weeks in a row.
Native Americans found golden seal useful for skin diseases, treating wounds, and inflammation in the eyes.
Early medical reference books show golden seal being used as a tea to help with stomach indigestion. Today we find it used to treat cold and flu symptoms. It is also being used for the antibacterial properties.
This herb is also in use for stomach problems, urinary tract infections and as a general tonic to boost the entire immune system. Many have said that it posses anti-inflammatory properties that help with inflamed membranes in the eyes, ears, nose, throat and stomach. It is also said to help regulate blood sugar levels, aid in digestion and relieve cases of constipation.
Goldenseal is found many times in combination with other herbs such as Echinacea. These two herbs tend to complement each other.
You can find goldenseal in whole root form, capsule, tablet or tincture. Herbalist suggest taking extracts that are standardized (says it on the label) to contain 8-12% alkaloids. In capsule or tablet form suggested use is 250-500 mg three times per day. If taking the whole root the suggested amount is 4-6 gm per day, best in powdered form.
Goldenseal shouldn’t be taken in large doses. Don’t take goldenseal longer than three weeks without about a two break in between. This is because of the alkaloids mentioned earlier which can cause gastrointestinal distress. But again this is why it is suggested not to use goldenseal in excess or for longer than three weeks in a row.