The Golden Root of Wellness: Goldenseal

January 26, 2012 hgrubbs Herbs

Okay, so I have to admit, the first time I ever heard about goldenseal was in high school from my pot-smoking friends (don’t worry; I’ve never inhaled). But, they swore up and down that taking goldenseal before a drug test would clear out any evidence of the drug in their system. I don’t know if there’s any truth to that, but I do know that goldenseal is great for strengthening the immune system.

In herbal medicine, goldenseal is often recommended to prevent and cure infections of the inside and outside of the body. For years, I have been taking goldenseal and echinacea daily during the cold and flu season. I have found that it strengthens my immune system so that I very seldom get sick. On those few times that I do get sick, I find that a little goldenseal helps reduce the time I spend coughing and sneezing: it helps me recover more quickly. My brother recently started out in a teaching career, and (on my recommendation) has started taking goldenseal with his afternoon tea every day to ward off the germs that the little ones bring to his classroom.

Commonly called goldenseal, Hydrastis Canadensis is of the Ranunculaceae (or buttercup family) and has many more healing properties than just warding off the occasional cold.

Facts and Benefits

The roots and stems of the goldenseal plant have phytochemicals that have been shown in studies to protect against disease. This yellow-rooted plant is innate to North America and was used by Native Americans to treat a broad range of illnesses and to make yellow dye to paint their faces. To this day, goldenseal is still used as an herbal medicine to treat many symptoms from heath disorders, including allergies, conjunctivitis, eczema and other rashes, ringworm, earaches, digestion problems, sore throats, and it’s even thought to prevent ulcers and disinfect small skin wounds. Goldenseal also works to naturally lower blood pressure, and it can relieve stress and anxiety because it acts as a mild sedative.

Goldenseal is a Natural Antibiotic

The medicinal roots of the goldenseal plant contain a natural antibiotic that is used to treat common symptoms of colds and flus, such as chills, fever, inflammation of the ears and throat, body aches and sinus congestion. It really does boost the immune system to help the body defend itself from being attacked by germs that can cause infections. Without a doubt, I know from firsthand experience that goldenseal helps to prevent and relieve cold and flu symptoms.

As with any herbal supplement, you should talk to your doctor or a qualified herbalist before adding goldenseal to your daily regimen – especially if you’re taking any medication (OTC or prescribed).