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Goldenseal, Latin name Hydrastis canadensis, is one of the most popular herbs used in herbal remedies today. Goldenseal has traditionally operated as a traditional healing herb of Native Americans, but it has entered the European herbal cabinet with of late.

Traditionally, the Cherokee used goldenseal as an herbal treatment for indigestion, local inflammations, and to improve appetite. The Iroquois used Goldenseal to treat heart problems, liver disorders, whooping cough and to treat fevers.

Goldenseal reached European shores by 1760. During the nineteenth century, Goldenseal had become a popular favorite with practitioners of the Eclectic and Thomsonian schools of medicine. In 1926, Goldenseal was included in the list of United States medicinal ingredients in the Pharmacopoeia.

The character of Goldenseal has alternately been described as bitter, dry, astringent, and cold. The plants constituents are described as resins, volatile oils, and alkaloids. Herbalists traditionally describe the actions of Goldenseal as astringent, a digestive and bile stimulant, a tonic, and a laxative. Goldenseal has also been used to reduce phlegm, to heal gastric mucous membranes, and to raise blood pressure.

The part of the Goldenseal plant that is most commonly used is the rhizome. The rhizome is traditionally harvested in the fall, and it is the main ingredient in many herbal remedies. Many traditional herbalists recommend the rhizome of the Goldenseal plant as an excellent drying and mucus-reducing remedy that works well for the gastric, upper respiratory tract. It is also used for the vaginal mucous membranes. The rhizome of the Goldenseal plant is also used to treat conditions involving the spastic colon (mucous colitis), nasal inflammations, and ear infections.

In essence, Goldenseal is very much an herbal remedy for ear, nose and throat problems. But it has many other applications as well. The Goldenseal plant is often used as an herbal remedy to treat gynecological problems. It can help reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms, and it has been known to ease the pain associated with premenstrual symptoms, especially symptoms linked to stagnation. The rhizome of the Goldenseal plant can often be found in commercial herbal remedies as a tonic.

Even though Goldenseal has proven itself to be a very effective healing herb, there are some cautions you use take when ingesting herbal remedies that feature Goldenseal as one of its main ingredients. For instance, Goldenseal is well known as a powerful uterine stimulant, so its use should be avoided women who are pregnant. Goldenseal is also well known as a hypertensive, so it should be avoided in known cases of high blood pressure.

Also, you should not use herbal remedies containing Goldenseal for an ear infection if you know that there is a risk that an eardrum is perforated. Another caveat: avoid ingesting fresh Goldenseal plant. Eating fresh Golden seal plant has been known to cause ulceration of the mucous membranes. It is a very potent plant. Also, if you suffer from digestive complaints, many herbalists recommend that you take barberry for these types of complaints because Goldenseal has recently become endangered in the wild.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: Anger, blood pressure, cold, goldenseal, Herbal Remedies

More and more people who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome are turning to alternative types of therapy. Some of the most simplest remedies to try are herbal supplements. Before embarking on a non-traditional, or holistic therapy for CFS, seek the advice of your physician.

If you elect to try different forms of therapy, your physician may know of a healer in the community that specializes herbs and other forms of holistic medicine. In some european nations, these healers are known as osteopaths. He/she, or even your physician may also be able to help you understand some of the materials and information you come across.

If you have health insurance, their medical management staff may also have done some research on these topics, or they may have osteopaths enrolled as providers. Always take the time to do quality research. While the internet is an incredible tool for finding all kinds of information, some sites are more accurate than others. Your local library may also have some good books and magazines to start with. Information is power, and the more you are armed with, the better.

Since the immune system seems to be one of the most targeted by CFS , this article will discuss three of the best herbs for encouraging the immune system to kick into gear. These three herbal supplements (Echinacea, goldenseal, and licorice root) are also useful in fighting viral infections. People who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome need to do everything they can to avoid sickness. A respiratory infection or stomach disorder can lead to an even more depleted level of energy.

Echinacea is especially effective when an infection is present. It helps to protect the body’s cells by keeping bacteria, viruses and other pathogens out. Many studies have shown that Echinacea is often very successful at strengthening a weakened immune system, as well as warding off the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It has been known to bring relief to many patients. The recommended dose of this herb is 15 to 20 drops dissolved in liquid. This should be taken three times a day for a period of two days. To get the required amount another appropriate dosage would be 300 to 325 milligrams three times a day.

Goldenseal and Echinacea are sometimes sold together and other times as separate herbs. When goldenseal is sold by itself, be sure to select one that is alcohol free. Goldenseal is extremely effective when it comes to controlling a viral infection. When a person first senses that they are coming down with a sore throat they should consume a few drops of goldenseal. Drop it into your mouth and hold it there for a moment before swallowing. Goldenseal is meant for specific health problem, and therefore, not meant to be taken on a constant basis. Goldenseal should not be taken more than one week at a time. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid using the herb goldenseal, as should those who have a history of glaucoma, heart disease or diabetes. If a person who has diabetes or heart problems does decided to use this herb to improve their health, it should always be done under a doctor’s close supervision.

Licorice (or licorice root) is not the same as the candy licorice. The herb licorice root helps to support the proper functioning of the endocrine system. Much like goldenseal, this herb is very potent. If used daily it should be taken no more than seven days at a time. Those with high blood pressure should stay away from it entirely. If a doctor or an alternative healthcare practitioner recommends licorice root it will also be necessary to consume a variety of foods that are rich in potassium.

Herbal supplements are just one of the many alternative medicines that a patient suffering from CFS can investigate. With the help of a physician or doctor of osteopathy, and some research, the possibilities are almost limitless. Three herbs to consider at the outset are Echniacea, Goldenseal, and Licorice Root, as all three enhance immune system function.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: chronic fatigue syndrome, goldenseal, Herbal Remedies, licorice root