|
Plant
Remedies Goldenseal
Goldenseal hydrastis
canadensis
A traditional healing herb of the Native
Americans. Goldenseal was used by the Cherokee for indigestion, local
inflammations and to improve the appetite, while the Iroquois used it for
whooping cough, liver disorders, fevers and heart problems.
Golden seal is a small perennial herb belonging
to the Buttercup family.
This is an excellent drying anticatarrhal remedy
for the stomach, upper respiratory tract and vaginal mucous membranes,
nasal inflammations or ear infections. It is used in dyspepsia, loss of
appetite and liver troubles. It is good for gynaecological problems, and
can help reduce menopausal symptoms and can ease period pain.
Constituents
Alkaloids, volatile
oil, resin
Character
Chinese herbal
medicine regards it as very sweet, neutral, moist
Action
It traditionally acts
as an astringent, tonic, digestive and bile stimulant, anticatarrhal,
laxative, can heal gastric mucous membranes and can raise blood pressure.
Application
Tincture
Traditionally, take 0.5 – 2ml three times a day for any catarrhal
condition: nasal catarrah, mucous colitis, gastroenteritits and vaginal
discharge. Also, it can be used as a liver tonic for sluggish digestion
and for digestive problems associated with food sensitivity and alcohol
excess. May be useful for PMS or heavy menstrual bleeding.
Wash Traditionally used to bathe irritant
skin inflammations, eczema and measles. Use
5ml of the tincture in 100ml water
Mouthwash 2-3 ml of the tincture can be
used in a tumbler of warm water for mouth ulcers, gum disease, sore
throat.
Capsules One 200mg capsule, three times a
day, can be taken catarrah and gastric or respiratory infections.
Eardrops Traditionally used for "glue
ear" catarrhal congestions and "blocked ears".
5 –10 drops of the
tincture can be used in 100ml of water
Cautions
Goldenseal is a uterine stimulant, so avoid in
pregnancy. The herb is hypertensive, so avoid in high blood pressure.
return to top
This page was last updated on 22 November 2006 23:53:02
|
