Goldenseal

Description

Goldenseal, native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States, is a type of Herb whose therapeutic properties are attributable to its alkaloid, Berberine, and Hydrastine content. The Berberine content of Goldenseal rhizome is higher than that of the root.

Botanical Name

 Hydrastis canadensis

 Goldenseal is from the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family.

Parts Used

 Roots

 Rhizomes

Cardiovascular System

 Goldenseal may improve the condition of Congestive Heart Failure patients (due to the Berberine content of Goldenseal).  ^[1]

 Goldenseal may improve the function of the Heart. 

 Goldenseal (applied topically or consumed internally) may alleviate Hemorrhoids (due to its vasoconstrictive action). 

 Goldenseal is claimed to lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients. 

 Goldenseal may be beneficial for the treatment of (ventricular) Tachycardia that occur as a result of lack of Oxygen.  Goldenseal may also help to prevent re-entrant ventricular Tachycardia (due to the Berberine content of Goldenseal).  ^[2]

Digestive System

 Goldenseal may improve the health of the Colon. 

 Goldenseal may alleviate Diarrhea (where Diarrhea is caused by Detrimental Bacteria infection).  ^[3]

 Goldenseal may strengthen the Gastric and Intestinal Mucosa. 

 Goldenseal may alleviate Gastroenteritis (due to the Berberine content of Goldenseal).  ^[4]

 Goldenseal may improve the tone of the Gastrointestinal Tract (due to the Berberine content of Goldenseal).  ^[5]

 Goldenseal (½ teaspoon of fluid extract or tincture) may alleviate Heartburn within 15 minutes of its consumption (it functions as an astringent for the Mucous Membranes that line the Gastrointestinal Tract).  ^[6]

 Goldenseal may reduce the proliferation of Intestinal Parasites. 

 Goldenseal may improve the function of the Pancreas. 

Excretory System

 Goldenseal may inhibit the ability of Detrimental Bacteria to adhere to the wall of the Bladder and may thereby help to prevent and control Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) such as (bacterial) Cystitis (due to the Berberine content of Goldenseal).  ^[7]

Eyes/Vision

 Goldenseal (ointment applied topically) may alleviate Conjunctivitis.  ^[8]

 Goldenseal (root ingested internally) may alleviate Eye Inflammation (according to traditional use by American Indians and traditional use by Western herbalists).

Immune System

 Goldenseal may help to prevent and treat some forms of Cancer (due to the Berberine and Berberine Sulfate content of Goldenseal which have demonstrated anti-Cancer activity in vitro):

 Goldenseal may help to prevent Cancer - Esophagus. 

 Goldenseal may help to prevent Cancer - Liver. 

 Goldenseal may help to prevent Cancer - Skin.  ^[9]