Goldenseal is a herb on which opinions are consistent: dried fruit, tincture, infusion or tablets of goldenseal are invaluable in many ailments. Today, natural medicine uses its effects most often in the treatment of female diseases. Check its composition, how and when to take it, and what are the contraindications to its use.

Canadian goldenseal ( Hydrastis canadensis ), also called Goldenseal, Eye Balm, Eyeroot, Yellow Eye or Yellowroot, is a species of plants from the buttercup family. It comes from North America. The indigenous peoples of the United States and Canada used goldenseal to treat most of the diseases they know. It is still popular in herbal cultivation in these countries. In Poland, it is rarely bred, and it is worth taking an interest in goldenseal, because it helps to cure many diseases.

Canadian goldenseal - drought

Canadian goldenseal is most often used in dried form. For this purpose, the rhizome of the plant is dried.

This herb contains:

  • isoquinoline alkaloids: berberine, hydrastine and canadine - for centuries considered to be an extremely effective panacea for various ailments and diseases,
  • fatty compounds
  • mineral s alts
  • phytosterols
  • essential oils
  • resins
  • chlorogenic acid

Berberine gives the roots of the herb a peculiar bright yellow color. Therefore, the Indians and the first colonists from Europe used them as a dye. Berberine and hydrastine give the plant a characteristic bitter taste, hence the name: goldenseal.

Canadian goldenseal - action

Canadian goldenseal is recognized as one of the best natural antibiotics. The main advantage of the plant is that it mobilizes the immune system to fight infections, but also fights bacteria and pathogenic viruses itself.

It has a healing effect on all mucous membranes in the body. Due to the presence of berberine, it has anti-bacterial propertiesChlamydia pneumoniae . Effectively eliminates colonies of fungiCandidaand numerous bacteria, but does not destroy the beneficial bacterial flora. Berberine, which is the main component of goldenseal, has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, restoring its proper balance.

Goldenseal and female diseases

The most popular use of goldenseal today is the treatment of various female ailments. The plant stimulates the uterine muscle and makes it contract spontaneously.

Goldenseal should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause premature uterine contractions.

Interestingly, it is helpful in inhibiting excessive menstrual bleeding or that related to the menopause. In addition, goldenseal extract supports the treatment of intimate infections, such as thrush, and even more serious inflammations of the reproductive organs.

Gorzknik is also recommended for men with prostate diseases.

Goldenseal and respiratory diseases

When the first symptoms of a cold or flu appear, drinking goldenseal tea may alleviate or completely neutralize its symptoms. The active substances (alkaloids) stimulate the white blood cells to react to viruses.

Goldenseal effectively fights respiratory diseases: it has antitussive, expectorant, toning and astringent properties on mucous membranes. The infusion prepared on the basis of goldenseal will help cure angina, tonsillitis and pneumonia.

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Goldenseal and diseases of the digestive system

The dried goldenseal rhizome is always worth having in your home medicine cabinet. Dried infusion soothes problems with the stomach and intestines, helps with diarrhea and indigestion, inhibits vomiting because it stimulates the secretion of digestive fluids and destroys bacteria that can cause such symptoms.

Canadian goldenseal - antiseptic effect

Canadian goldenseal can also be used externally, it has great antiseptic properties. Eye wash will relieve conjunctivitis. Rubbing a decoction into the skin will cure inflammation such as ulcers, mycosis and eczema.

This herb is effective in combating herpes labialis and soothing the skin lesions formed in the course of shingles. Rinsing the mouth with goldenseal decoction will get rid of thrush.

Canadian goldenseal for weight loss

Berberine, the main active ingredient of goldenseal, is very popular in China and for some time has started to gain popularity also in Poland as … a "fat burner" from the abdominal area.

Scientists from the University of South Dakota, who tested this alkaloid in mice, found that it reduces weight gain and stimulates activitybrown adipose tissue, which plays an important role in maintaining a he althy body weight and preventing insulin resistance.

Canadian goldenseal - contraindications

  • Canadian goldenseal cannot be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women.
  • It must also not be taken by people with high blood pressure, hypoglycaemia (hypoglycaemia) or enzymatic insufficiency.
  • It should not be used in people with an autoimmune disease such as multiple sclerosis or lupus, or in people who have had a transplant.
  • Goldenseal should not be used for more than 3 weeks. You should take a two-week break in the treatment, after which you can repeat the intake of preparations from this plant.

Canadian goldenseal - side effects

Berberine in goldenseal may increase blood bilirubin levels, cause blood sodium levels to drop, or cause mild photophobia.

Very high doses of this plant can cause nausea, anxiety, depression or convulsions.

May cause irritation when applied to the skin.

Goldenseal can slow down the breakdown of cyclosporine, the main component of immunosuppressive drugs as well as drugs for ASZ and psoriasis, which can lead to their accumulation in the body, with serious he alth consequences.

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Goldenseal tea for indigestion

Pour a teaspoon of crushed rhizomes with a glass of hot water and let it brew, covered, for 15 minutes. After straining, the infusion is ready for consumption. For indigestion, it is worth drinking it three times a day, preparing a fresh portion each time. Such a mixture will help relieve abdominal pain and avoid the unpleasant effects of overeating. As the name suggests, goldenseal does not impress with its taste. To make it tastier, you can sweeten it with honey.

Give it a try

Cold tincture

When you have a cold, flu or angina, you can drink goldenseal, not only in the form of a tea, but also in the form of a tincture. In order to make a tincture, prepare a 2-liter vessel to which we add 50 g of dried rhizomes and add 1 liter of 40% vodka. The ingredients should be thoroughly mixed and set aside in a dark place for two weeks. The tincture is ready after straining. In the case of pharyngitis, drink about 4 ml of the tincture three times a day, and according to other sources: ½ teaspoon of the tincture 3-6 times a day, depending on the intensity of the infection.

Remember: no more than 3 weeks!

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He alth