Goldenseal Root a Natural Anti-Biotic

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.

Centaury Bach Flower Remedy “Can’t Say No”

Centaury is for people who find it difficult to say 'no' to other people. They are kind, gentle souls and like to be of help to others. But sometimes other more ruthless people will take advantage of this, and instead of willing service the Centaury ends up the slave of another's wishes.

The Centaury remedy does not harden the Centaury personality. Instead it asupports the development of courage and self-determination so that Centaury people are better able to draw the line and make space where they can be themselves free of the desires and commands of others.

Maybe you know someone who is on every committee, helps out with every event, runs errands for parents, and anticipates and jumps to serve every need before their spouse or child even speaks? Maybe you are a Centaury type, too.

While in a negative Centaury state taking service, devotion to a cause and a genuine desire to help to a fault will turn this person into a doormat. They are unable to say no.

They will be tired, overworked and resentful that others take advantage of their good nature. But their desire for recognition and validation keeps them from developing their own uniqueness.

They are too fearful of rejection to allow their own distinctive personalities to develop and to stand up for their own wants and needs.

After taking Centaury remedy Centaury people realize that rushing to assist is not always good for others. They will also be able to say no, and to give service when and where it is appropriate.

Dr Bach's description
Kind, quiet, gentle people who are over-anxious to serve others. They overtax their strength in their endeavours. Their wish so grows upon them that they become more servants than willing helpers. Their good nature leads them to do more than their own share of work, and in so doing they may neglect their own particular mission in life.
- taken from The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies, which you can order from the Bach Centre.