Many people swear by goldenseal for common ailments

HEALTH TIP: Goldenseal (aka “orangeroot”) is an herb native to the eastern North America. The use of goldenseal was taught to early American colonists by Cherokee medicine men and women. In 1798, Benjamin Smith Barton included it in his Essays Towards a Materia Medica of the United States, noting that American Indian groups used it for treating a wide range of conditions, including eye infections, diarrhea, liver disease, whooping cough, and pneumonia. It was even used in many cancer treatments by such successful physicians as John Pattison, who began his career using bloodroot and changed to goldenseal because he regarded it as clinically superior.

Goldenseal is a potent antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antiseptic, and antibiotic agent. Many people swear by goldenseal for common ailments (such as colds and wounds) as well as long-term (chronic) conditions. Conjunctivitis (aka “pink eye”) can be effectively treated by using goldenseal eyewash. In addition to the above, goldenseal is a very popular treatment for infection of the gums or gingivitis. Gargling with goldenseal tincture is found to be extremely helpful in curing strep throat problems. Used externally, goldenseal it is very successful in treating cuts, wounds, and other bacterial skin infections and fungal infections.

Studies have shown that the combination of its three main alkaloids (berberine, hydrastine, and canadine) creates a synergy that is more potent than the sum of its parts. These alkaloids are known to increase blood circulation to the liver and spleen and also stimulate the secretion of bile. All these properties of goldenseal help in smooth and effective functioning of the pancreas, thyroid, and lymphatic system.

The goldenseal herb contains many important and useful vitamins, including vitamin A, various B vitamins, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It also contains zinc, potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and selenium. Generally, the health benefits of goldenseal are enhanced when echinacea and goldenseal are combined. Since goldenseal has uterine-stimulating properties, it should not be used during pregnancy.