Goldenseal is also known commonly as orange root and wild curcuma or by its scientific name Hydrastis Canadensis. This herb is found in many parts of the U.S. and Canada. The herb has its own medicinal benefits to offer and it is also used in conjunction with others to improve their efficacy. Native American tribes in North America have traditionally used goldenseal for medication as well as a coloring agent. The Cherokees are believed to have used this herb as an effective cure for cancer.

Goldenseal is a most effective medicine for treating a variety of skin problems. A skin ointment or lotion made from this herb is normally used for this purpose. Even skin rashes and eruptions that are caused by improper digestion are effectively cured by the ingestion of this herb.

Effective Treatment for Infections

Infection of the mucus membranes in the upper respiratory tract, such as those surrounding the mouth, throat and sinuses, can be cured by goldenseal tinctures. This herb is also very effective against a multitude of disease causing organisms such as different kinds of yeast, bacteria and fungi.

Urinary tract infections, intestinal and vaginal infections and stomach ailments are also cured by the use of goldenseal. For older people, goldenseal is an effective remedy for bladder infections. Elderly people are recommended goldenseal tablets to address stomach and liver ailments including functional stomach disorders, cirrhosis, ulcers, catarrhal gastritis, atonic dyspepsia and constipation.

This herb is also very effective against sinus and respiratory ailments. As the herb is bitter in taste, it stimulates bile secretion in the human body. This, in turn, improves digestion while also helping to dislodge phlegm collected in the lungs by working as an expectorant. That is why older people often start taking goldenseal when they sense the onset of colds or flu.

Elderly people also often use goldenseal as a mouthwash to treat sore gums and throat. When applied to canker sores or wounds, goldenseal hastens healing and prevents infections.

Historical Use of Goldenseal

Goldenseal has been used as natural medicine by Native Americans since the earliest times. These people used this herb to treat digestive disorders, skin trouble and eye irritations. Early European settlers saw the beneficial effects that this herb had for the Native American tribes and started using it themselves during the colonial era.

Herbalist Samuel Thompson turned the world’s attention to this medicinal herb in the 1800s as an effective cure for several ailments. At present, goldenseal is in great demand across the world for its many benefits.

Different Forms of Goldenseal

Goldenseal may be used in different forms. For treatment of wounds and sores, it is often applied as an ointment or lotion. A mouthwash or tincture of goldenseal may be used as a gargle for treating sore throat or mouth ulcers. The stem and roots of the plant are boiled to make a tea once they are dried. Other than this, goldenseal is also available in the form of tablets and capsules.

Caution for Older People

Berberine is a main constituent of goldenseal and it increases the levels of bilirubin. Older people with a history of heart disease or high blood pressure should not use this herb without clearing it with their physician first. For such people, external use, such as through mouthwashes and gargles may be approved by the doctor.

Author Bio: Teisha Mahabir specializes in writing articles about health, diet, longevity and health specialists like Brenda Rusnak. Brenda Rusnak is a health care specialist who writes about health-aging and prevention. For more information about healthy-aging and Brenda Rusnak, check her out at brendarusnak.com.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: goldenseal,fight,skin,infection,health,aid,stomach,disorders,liver,aid