Goldenseal - Miraculous Herb from the Americas

Goldenseal or yellow root as the American Indians called it is commonly found in the wild in the United States and Canada. It was widely used by native Indians for a series of aliments over hundreds of years. Though some scientific authorities caution on the herb's possibility to cause cardiac arrest and respiratory paralysis, it is generally agreed that when used properly it is beneficial.

Northeastern Indians created a yellow dye by pounding its yellow roots and using the resulting yellow juice. It was also used for skin wounds, eyewashes, sore throat, childbirth recovery and digestive ailments.

The founder of the Thomsonian Herbal Medicine, Samuel Thomson, recommended the herb as an antiseptic. Thomson is associated with changing the herb's Indian name, yellow root to goldenseal. Other uses included external use in hemorrhoid relief, pinkeye, rectal fissures, boils, wounds and eczema. Taken internally it was used for treating colds, diphtheria, tonsillitis, digestive disorders, uterine troubles, postpartum hemorrhage and as a digestive stimulant. It was considered a tonic and after any major illness, was used during convalescence.

Goldenseal is recommended by herbalists today for external use as an antiseptic in cleaning wounds and in treating eczema, athlete's foot, ringworm, conjunctivitis, itching and as a douche in postpartum uterine bleeding and to cease excessive menstrual flow. Other external uses include use as an astringent, antiseptic to treat canker sores, chapped lips and other external problems. It is being prescribed internally for digestive disorders and colds. Goldenseal has become a common homeopathy remedy, being prescribed in micro-doses for asthma, alcoholism, cancer, indigestion, liver ailments and hemorrhoids. It continues to be a popular folk medicine.

Goldenseal is known to aid in treating fungal, protozoan and bacterial infection. It is thought that the berberine compound found in golden seal is responsible for its anti bacterial and antimycotic properties. Berberine is known to be effective against amoebic dysentery caused by protozoa like amoeba and giardia. Reports have claimed the efficacy of berberine against the cholera bacteria. All these reports sustain goldenseal's lengthy history as an effective gastrointestinal herbal remedy, especially in infectious diarrhea. It has been suggested that berberine, in addition to destroying germs may be responsible for boosting the immune system by encouraging and boosting macrophages or white blood cells that consume and destroy disease causing microorganisms.

Goldenseal is also known to help soothe the intestinal mucosa and is thought to be responsible for stimulating bile secretion in humans, thus aiding in the digestion of fats. Recent animal studies have shown that this unique and potent herb helps reduce tumors, shrinking them. This in turn sustains goldenseal's traditional and time honored use for treating cancer. There is some talk of it playing a role in future chemotherapy for cancer. If proved so it would indeed become a miracle herb.