Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) Last updated: Jul 17, 2008

THE ANALYST TM
Home  |  FAQ  |  Start The Analyst


 
  Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis)  
 

 

 
 

Goldenseal is a strong digestive stimulant, and tonic to the digestive tract.

Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than a week at a time. Do not give goldenseal to children under two. Do not use goldenseal without consulting a physician if you have had heart disease, diabetes, glaucoma, a stroke, or high blood pressure.

 
 

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) can help with the following:
 
 
Allergy  Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever

Circulation
  Arrhythmias/Dysrhythmias
 Berberine is the principal active ingredient in the herb goldenseal ( Hydrastis Canadensis ). Studies show that the alkaloid berberine is beneficial for ventricular arrhythmias due to lack of oxygen. Evidence also suggests that berberine administration can help prevent the onset of re-entrant ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden coronary death after myocardial ischemic damage.

Emergency Care
Not recommended for:
  Upcoming Surgical Procedure
 Goldenseal before surgery may cause complications by increased swelling or increased blood pressure.

Infections
  Pharyngitis
 The berberine alkaloid found in goldenseal stops the growth of streptococci, the organism most often associated with bacterial pharyngitis. It also promotes easier removal of the bacteria by inhibiting their ability to adhere to tissue surfaces.

  Epididymitis
 Berberine-containing herbs are effective antibacterial agents. Since berberine has been shown to inhibit chlamydia trachomatis, berberine with bromelain is an excellent choice for "idiopathic epididymitis". Dose of Golden Seal: 0.5 to 1.0gm TID of the dried root.

Metabolic
  Anorexia / Starvation Tendency
 Goldenseal, a strong digestive stimulant and tonic to the digestive tract, is especially useful for anorexia nervosa.

Organ Health
  Hepatitis

Skin-Hair-Nails
  Boils, Abscesses, Carbuncles
 The application of a paste or poultice containing goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) root is recommended by naturopaths on the grounds that goldenseal helps to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.

Uro-Genital
Not recommended for:
  Pregnancy-Related Issues Possible
 
 


KEY
May do some good
Likely to help
May have adverse consequences
Avoid absolutely

Some of the world's greatest feats were accomplished by people not smart enough to know they were impossible. - Doug Larson
Stop being humble, you are not that great. - Golda Meir
The only difference between a diamond and a lump of coal is that the diamond had a little more pressure put on it. - Anonymous





GLOSSARY

Diabetes Mellitus:  A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.

Glaucoma:  A disease of the eye characterized by vision loss due to an increase in the pressure of fluid within the eye. This rise in pressure results from a build-up of aqueous fluid and leads to progressive damage to the optic nerve that transmits visual signals to the brain. Over time, glaucoma can lead to a gradual loss in peripheral vision. There are usually no signs that you're developing glaucoma until vision loss occurs.

Stroke:  A sudden loss of brain function caused by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel that supplies the brain, characterized by loss of muscular control, complete or partial loss of sensation or consciousness, dizziness, slurred speech, or other symptoms that vary with the extent and severity of the damage to the brain. The most common manifestation is some degree of paralysis, but small strokes may occur without symptoms. Usually caused by arteriosclerosis, it often results in brain damage.