5 Reasons Why You Should Try Goldenseal Today

Have you ever heard of the herb called Goldenseal?

This herb is found on the U.S. continent. It’s called goldenseal because of its golden root. The plant is only 6 to 12 inches tall, but it’s that golden root that packs in all the power of the plant. Its official name is Hydrastis canadensis.

Traditional Uses of Goldenseal

Native American Indians have used goldenseal for many decades for skin and eye irritations, digestive system upsets, and women’s female illnesses. The herb has quite a positive reputation for healing different ailments, especially those that are related to women’s uterine complaints, and infections.

Why Does Goldenseal Work?

Every plant contains chemical constituents that give that plant its medicinal activity. Goldenseal contains three powerful alkaloid constituents: berberine, hydrastine and hydrastinine. All three of these alkaloids can act upon the mucous membranes of the body–those membranes that are fleshy and pink such as ones found in the vagina, intestinal tract, the mouth, the urinary tract and the respiratory tract. The alkaloids cause an astringent effect, which is a tightening of the tissues. They also reduce inflammation and have a disinfectant type of effect on the tissue, killing pathogenic organisms that may reside there.

Goldenseal has been used for uterine complaints such as vaginitis, an inflammation of the vagina, for years before the medical profession discovered it. In bacterial vaginosis, there is often inflammation of the vagina. The herb can stop excessive bleeding that occurs during the woman’s period. In large doses, goldenseal can cause an abortion; however, the herb can be pricey, limiting the chance that this will happen.

Limitations of Use of Goldenseal

Goldenseal is an herb that is used for limited time frames only. The alkaloids can accumulate in the body and cause an overstimulation of the nervous system if it’s used for a week or longer.

5 Reasons Why Goldenseal Is Helpful For Bacterial Vaginosis

The following five characteristics of the goldenseal plant make it a wise choice for women to treat bacterial vaginosis:

1. Anti-inflammatory action which can relieve the inflammation found in BV
2. Antimicrobial actions
3. Wound healer
4. Stimulates the immune system
5. As a mouthwash after oral sex with someone who has bacterial vaginosis

How to Use The Goldenseal Herb

This herb can be used topically or taken orally and similar results will be seen. When used orally, 2 teaspoons is all that is needed of the ground, dried and powdered root. Simply add the herb to about 2 cups of water, simmer the mixture in a pot with a lid for about 30 minutes, and then let it cool. Drink about a shot glass full when cold, up to 8 oz per day. When taking capsules, take 2 capsules twice daily.

If you’re using the herb as a mouthwash, simply use two shot glasses full of the tea and swish for one minute, then spit it out.

To use it topically, just mix with water and make a paste. Cover the affected area. This is unnecessary for those with bacterial vaginosis who should just take it orally.

Goldenseal has been used as a cure for gonorrhea, urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), inflammation of the rectum and colon, and of course, bacterial vaginosis. The herb has antibiotic properties and is effective against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Streptococcus, Salmonella and Candida albicans. In China, the herb is used in those receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments to increase the white blood cell count.

Goldenseal may also lower cholesterol levels; however, there are other herbs that can be used safely for long periods of time that would be a better choice.