Hydrastis canadensis
Part Used: Dried rhizome & roots
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is a small perennial plant with a single hairy stem producing two five-lobed serrated leaves and a small single apetalous flower with greenish sepals, giving way to a raspberry-like fruit. Goldenseal is native to eastern North America and is cultivated in Oregon and Washington. The dried root and rhizome are used medicinally. Goldenseal root has acquired a considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders. It was used by the American Indians as a treatment for irritations and inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts. It was commonly used topically for skin and eye infections. Because of its anti-microbial activity, Goldenseal has a long history of use for infectious diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, and vaginal infections. Goldenseal is often recommended in combination with Echinacea for the treatment of colds and flu.
Goldenseal has properties like tonic, astringent, antihaemorrhagic, choleretic, antimicrobial, anticatarrhal, mild laxative, cholagogue, alterative, stimulant to autonomic nervous system and involuntary muscle, stomatic, oxytocic, bitter digestive stimulant, haemostatic, anti-inflammatory, healing to the gut wall and other mucous membranes, hypertensive, sedative to central nervous system, and stimulating adjunct to remedies for the lungs, reproductive tract and kidneys. It is used in many combination formulas and is reported to enhance the potency of other herbs. Preparations have been marketed for the treatment of menstrual disorders, urinary infections, rheumatic and muscular pain and as an antispasmodic. Goldenseal has a powerful tonic action on the mucous membranes of the body and is thus of use in many digestive problems, such as gastritis, ulceration and colitis. It may be used to treat states of depressed digestion associated with liver disorder or sensitivity (e.g. to fatty foods and alcohol). It is also a valuable remedy for the treatment of upper respiratory catarrh. As a bitter stimulant it is useful in anorexia. Its tonic and astringent actions contribute to its use in uterine conditions such as menorrhagia and haemorrhage. It helps reduce menopausal symptoms and can ease pre-menstrual syndromes linked with stagnation. Berberine is a bitter alkaloid with antibacterial and antiprotozoal effects, found in Goldenseal. It is also sedative to the central nervous system. It is a stimulant to the autonomic nervous system and appears to exert astringent effects on mucosal surfaces throughout the body.
References:
Herbal Information Center. http://www.kcweb.com/herb/goldenseal.htm
Purple Sage Botanicals. http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/goldenseal.htm
Holistic Online. http://www.holisticonline.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h63.htm
