noun
definition
Hydrastis canadensis, a perennial herb of the buttercup family, native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States, with a thick, yellow knotted rootstock and diverse medicinal properties.
Examples of goldenseal in a Sentence
The benefits of goldenseal are enhanced when this useful herb is combined with other herbs.
Some bitters widely used in traditional medicine in North America include yarrow, yellow dock, goldenseal, Oregon grape, and vervain.
Echinacea, especially when taken with goldenseal, helps the body fight off viruses like the herpes virus.
Many people turn to Echinacea or a combination of Echinacea and goldenseal root to boost the immune system response.
While limited scientific studies have been done on the benefits of goldenseal, a long history of use by Native American tribes of North America make goldenseal a popular choice for colds, flu, and various infections diseases.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis) is a wild plant that grows throughout North America, particularly in the northeastern part of the continent.
The government classifies wild goldenseal as endangered, but companies such as Gaia Herbs work hard to preserve plants in the wild and encourage their cultivation and protection whenever possible.
Herbalists create tinctures, teas and capsules from the roots and underground portion of goldenseal.
Many reputed benefits of goldenseal are claimed but little modern, formal research to back up its health claims.
One compound found in goldenseal that has been studied is called berberine.
The government currently funds several studies on goldenseal and berberine, but results aren't in yet.
Today, most herbalists agree that the benefits of goldenseal encompass infection but may exclude cancer treatment.
This action appears to be enhanced when goldenseal is combined with other herbs.
Echinacea and goldenseal, for example, is a popular combination to fight the common cold.
The benefits of goldenseal are enhanced when it is combined in formulas with multiple herbs and when taken as a whole herb rather than berberine extract, the active ingredient and the one currently being scrutinized in research studies.
Goldenseal may be taken as a tincture, tea or capsule.
No major side effects of goldenseal are experienced when it is taken properly.
If you're pregnant or nursing, avoid goldenseal, since it is unknown whether it crosses the placental barrier or is excreted in breast milk.
Unlike typical cold remedies, goldenseal is not taken at the first sign of a cold.
If you consider that the action may be on the mucous membranes themselves and not necessarily on the invading bacteria, you'll understand why you should wait to take goldenseal until your running nose blossoms.
If you're exploring the benefits of goldenseal and are hoping to use it to mask drug abuse for a drug test, think again.
It's a myth that goldenseal hides the use of narcotics.
In the early 20th century, trainers gave race horses goldenseal in the hopes of masking the use of morphine and pain killers, but the narcotics were always detectable in urine tests.
Goldenseal may actually give a false-positive in humans in urine drug tests.
If your company gives random drugs tests or you know you'll need to take a drug test, avoid goldenseal for several days or weeks prior to the test.
Parents can also try preparations of tea tree oil, goldenseal, propolis, licorice, myrrh, and lysine, products with healing nutrients that are backed by research.
Several herbal remedies, including calendula (Calendula officinalis), myrrh (Commiphora molmol), and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), may be helpful in treating existing sores.
Homeopathic practice usually does not use topical ointments or drops but does recommend using an antibacterial eyewash made from five drops of tincture of goldenseal in a cup of warm water.
Herbal supplements that will benefit individuals who have anemia include bilberry, dandelion, goldenseal, mullein, nettle, Oregon grape root, red raspberry, and yellow dock.
Another herb believed to fight infection and reduce inflammation, goldenseal may be taken internally when symptoms of infection first appear.
Skin infections can be treated by making a paste of water and powdered goldenseal root and applying it directly to the affected area.
Another solution for nasal lavage (washing) uses powdered goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis).