Health Benefits of Goldenseal - includes ways to obtain them

The health benefits of goldenseal which people derive from the herb are evident from the scarcity of its availability.

The goldenseal herb is documented as being used for its various medicinal properties and health benefits in Ayurveda, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as by Native Americans.

Some of the health benefits and natural remedies of the multipurpose goldenseal herb are as stated below.

Digestive System

The goldenseal herb has properties that stimulate appetite, aid digestion, often increase the production of bile and cure digestive problems. It also has an astringent effect in addition to certain antibacterial properties which work effectively in treating digestive tract conditions like gastritis, e coli, and yeast infections. This particular property of the goldenseal herb also works effectively in treating ulcers in the mouth.

Anti-inflammatory, Antibiotic, Antiseptic Properties

The health benefits of goldenseal include its anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antiseptic properties. These properties help to treat inflammations and infections of the eyes, nose, ear and throat. Conjunctivitis, too, can be effectively treated by using goldenseal eyewash. In addition to the above, goldenseal is a very popular cure for infection of the gums or gingivitis.

The goldenseal root is famous for its natural antibiotic properties and is used to treat cold, flu, strep throat and other upper respiratory tract infections. It is found that using goldenseal root helps reduce cold and flu symptoms considerably. This is mainly because of the berberine content in goldenseal which contains extremely powerful antibiotic and antiseptic properties. These properties help in fighting numerous strains of bacteria and fungi which cause strep throat and other infections.

Gargling with goldenseal tincture is found to be extremely helpful in curing strep throat problems.

Another effective treatment for strep throat is when goldenseal is combined with echinacea and myrrh. Generally, the health benefits of goldenseal are often enhanced when echinacea and goldenseal are combined.

Immune System

The health benefits of goldenseal extend to boosting the immune system, too. Goldenseal contains certain chemical substances which work towards strengthening the immune system by stimulating the activity of blood cells. This property of the goldenseal herb helps in the purification of blood and balances various hormones in the glandular system.

Liver, Spleen, Pancreas, Thyroid, Lymphatic System

The health benefits of goldenseal also include improving the functions of several important organs. Berberine, an active ingredient of goldenseal, works towards increasing blood circulation to the liver and spleen. It also stimulates the secretion of bile. All these properties of goldenseal help in smooth and effective functioning of the pancreas, thyroid, and lymphatic system.

Skin Conditions

A goldenseal mixture, when prepared in the ratio 5 ml of herbal tincture / liquid extract to 100 ml of water, can be used for herbal washes in treating skin infections, inflammations like eczema, and measles.

Female / Women Issues

Another of the health benefits of goldenseal is in aiding with female issues - certain chemical substances in goldenseal help regulate the menstrual cycle in women.

A mixture, prepared by adding 2 - 3 ml of goldenseal tincture / liquid extract to water, can be used as a douche for curing leucorrhea and other forms of vaginal infections. It can also be used with rosewater in the ratio 5 ml to 100 ml to cure vaginal irritation and itching.

Nutrient Content

In addition, the goldenseal herb contains many important and useful vitamins like vitamin A, various B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin E. It also contains calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium selenium, and zinc.

Routes of Administration & Dosage

There are several common ways to obtain the health benefits of goldenseal. Goldenseal is usually used in the form of goldenseal powder / goldenseal root powder, pills, capsules, tablets, salves and in tincture form.

Goldenseal is also available in the form of tea bags but mostly in combination with echinacea.

It is usually recommended that the daily dosage for an adult should be one 250 to 500mg capsule of an extract standardized to 8-12% alkaloids, taken thrice daily.

In tincture form, the dosage would be around 1 to 2 ml of a 1:5 solution taken thrice daily.

Goldenseal tea or goldenseal herb tea can be prepared using 0.5 to 3 teaspoons of goldenseal powder to 1 cup water, and drank two to three times daily.

There is one point to note about the goldenseal herb and its products. Due to the severe shortage of goldenseal, there is a possibility that this particular herb could be cultivated under improper conditions and might not be grown organically. Hence, herbal experts recommend going through the product details and establishing the authenticity of available products before consumption.

Goldenseal Pages | Goldenseal Herb - History, Information and Facts | Health Benefits of Goldenseal - includes ways to obtain them | Health Benefits and Goldenseal Properties - Research and Studies | Possible Goldenseal Side Effects, Precautions and Contraindications

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