Goldenseal – Hydrastis canadensis
Goldenseal – AKA Yellow Root – Clinical Trials
Being Native to the US, there are few studies on humans. (Our AMA has been found guilty of criminal business practices and conspiracy to destroy natural medicine.) (1)
Lab Conclusions: Hydrastis Canadensis has been identified as effective in controlling ‘hormone-independent or basal-like breast cancer. (2)
This study confirms that Goldenseal is an effective antimicrobial against bacterial infections, including anti-biotic resistant staph infections (MRSA). (3). When the antimicrobial plants “work together” they have even greater powers, such as in our True GI Cleanse, which features Goldenseal.
History
After the American civil war Golden Seal became extremely popular as a general tonic for health and longevity, its price nearly equalled the other most prized herb of the time ‘Ginseng’ and it was collected to the point of near extinction. The Eclectic physicians especially valued it for digestive disorders saying ‘as a remedy for various gastric disorders it takes the leading place’. Jethro Kloss in his book ‘Back to Eden’ is especially fond of Golden Seal saying it is ‘one of the most wonderful remedies in the entire herb kingdom’.
TJ Lyle writes ‘Golden Seal is the king of tonics to the mucous membranes. It is a mild, positive and permanent stimulating tonic. Its influence, though primarily given to the mucous membrane, extends to all parts of the body, wherever it may be required by the necessities of the vital force or influenced thither by its combination with other agents. It improves the appetite and assists digestion. In the weak and debilitated stomach, especially if there be nervous disturbances or if the gastric membrane be clogged with congested or catarrhal mucous, and in cases of gastric ulceration, Hydrastis given in small and frequent doses will not unfrequently give relief both to the gastric membrane and to the nervous system’ (2)
Herbalist Notes
Consider with GI infections, ulcers, irritated/inflamed mucus membranes, dysentery, nasal polyps, abnormal pap, uterine fibroids, and vaginal infections. Use for diarrhea, mucus in the stool, itching, and sore throat. Attributes: Antimicrobial, tones mucus membranes, stimulates peristalsis (moves bowels), cleanses the blood, and anti-inflammattory. May be used topically to help stop bleeding as well as itching. Organ Systems: Digestive, Immune, and Central Nervous systems.
We combined Goldenseal with Echinacea and Larrea to treat a patient’s spider bite. By evening the bite started forming the black streak of sepsis, and she dosed hourly until bedtime, and woke to the black streak gone. We used True Lymph Cleanse to support drainage as well, and would recommend always using lymphatic support with any of our Immune remedies.
More Herbalist Notes
Many people have chronic conditions in their nose, sinuses, ears, throat or digestive system where an excess of unhealthy mucus is causing ill-health and in such cases it can be seen that there are healing properties within the Golden Seal that can help to cleanse, bind and heal these damaged, delicate and important surfaces in the body.
Two common examples of how I personally use Golden Seal in formula are found in the article on sore throats here and the article on sinusitis found here
Golden Seal can also be a particularly potent medicine for liver congestion and I often think of using it with someone when they have such signs as a heavy, coated tongue, a languid or sluggish pulse, excess debris in their blood plasma and symptoms of mucus congestion. (4)
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