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Goldenseal

Goldenseal, also known as yellow puccoon, ground raspberry, turmeric root, hydrastis, yellowroot, orangeroot, jaundice root, Ohio curuma, yellow wort, eyebalm, eyebright, eyeroot, goldenroot, Indian dye, Indian paint and Indian turmeric is from the hydrastis family. It is a small perennial, hardy plant found in the well-drained woodlands of North America east of the Mississippi. Also, it is cultivated in the state of Washington and in Europe. Goldenseal is a bitter, cure-all type herb that generally strengthens the immune system, acts as an antibiotic, potentiates insulin and cleanses the body. Goldenseal is further utilized in supplying a nurturing post-ingestion feeling, thus eliminating any user discomfort or irritation from the supplement. The dried rhizome and roots are the medicinal parts of this plant. The root stalks are harvested in the fall and the leaves and tops in late summer. Goldenseal has a slight odor and bitter taste. The roots of this plant show a suberized hypodermis, a starch containing cortex, lignified endodermis and a small central wood with 2-6 rays. The root contains at least three alkaloids, namely, hydrastine, berberine, canadine. It also contains resin, albumen, starch, fats, sugar and a volatile oil. Goldenseal, along with other herbals, such as aloe vera, anise, barberry, bilberry, black cohosh, burdock, cat's claw, celery, echinacea, fig, garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hawthorn, horsetail, licorice, milk thistle, nettle, red clover, parsley, pau d' arco, pumpkin, red beet, suma and valerian root, is a natural remedy. Herbs like these are generally used as a herbal extract for internal and external applications of the body, in the form of powders, extracts, tinctures, teas, decoctions, syrups, poultices, salves, infusions, ointments and vinegars. Goldenseal, specifically is known as a medicinally useful herb for internal application as an antibiotic, antiinflammatory, and antibacterial agent which increases the efficiency of insulin, and strengthens the immune system, and other benefits. Goldenseal is one of the best substitutes for quinine. It influences mucous membranes and tissue with which it comes in contact. Beneficial physiological effects include increasing circulation, rehabilitation of mucous membranes, anti-inflammation, reducing catarrhal conditions (running of secretions) of mucous membranes, increasing nervous tissue integrity, antiseptic and astringent.

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