Goldenseal

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What does Goldenseal do?

Goldenseal is a medicinal herb that some people take when they have a cold, flu, sore throat, upper respiratory or sinus infection. It is especially beneficial in treating irritated or inflamed mucous membranes. Another area of usage is in the treatment of diarrhea, digestive problem, and in helping to eliminate bacterial infections and protozoa. Externally, it has been used for its antiseptic qualities as a topical application in the treatment of fungal infections, eczema, canker sores, infected wounds, and inflammation. It can be taken in capsules, pills, teas, tinctures, and externally as a poultice, ointment, or tincture. It is often combined with Echinacea as an overall tonic to treat colds and the flu.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Goldenseal?

They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions, as Goldenseal usage may be contraindicated: If you have cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, or a problem with blood coagulation. If you are taking heparin, comadin, or any other blood thinning medicine or blood pressure medicine. If you have high blood pressure (The constituent hydrastine may cause a rise in blood pressure.)

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Goldenseal?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant (contraindicated as it may cause uterine contractions) Breast-feeding (contraindicated as it may cause neonatal jaundice) If you plan to administer this herb to a child.

What else should I know about Goldenseal before I start taking it?

Do not over use this herb! Goldenseal b.i.d. up in the b.d. and it is slow to be released. Large amounts are considered toxic. Berberdine (an active constituent of Goldenseal) at higher dosages may interfere with b-vitamin metabolism. It has been recommended by some that alternating Goldenseal with Echinacea or another herb might be an effective treatment plan that allows the body to eliminate some of the build-ups that occur. Even in this regime, overuse should not be contemplated.

How should I take this herb?

Take Goldenseal capsules or tablets by mouth. Swallow the capsules with a large drink of water. Generally, it is thought that Goldenseal should be taken between meals. Do not take Goldenseal for longer than 1-2 weeks maximum and do not take dosages above those recommended. If one is good, in this case two may be toxic, not better. : An alcohol free liquid extract may be the best preparation for use internally. Externally, Goldenseal can be applied as a poultice, ointment, lotion, or tincture. As skin can absorb constituents into the blood stream usage should be monitored in the same fashion as if it were taken internally. Goldenseal should not be administered topically for longer than two weeks.

What should the dosage be?

Lengths of administration are usually based on the severity of the symptoms and the type of problem. It has been said that dosages should be determined based on the berberdine and/or hydrastine content. Buying a standardized product is highly recommended. Capsules, pills, or tablets: It is usually recommended that the daily dosage for an adult should be one 250 to 500mg capsule of an extract standardized to 8-12% alkaloids (approx. 5% Hydrastine) and taken 3x a day. Tincture:  The dosage for a standardized tincture would be a 1 to 2 ml of a 1:5 solution taken 3/day. Extract: A 1:1 standardized fluid extract @ 0.5 to 1ml 3/day Dried Root: 0.5 g to 1 gram 3/day Tea: 0.5 to 3-tsp. powder to 1 cup water - 3/day.

What side effects may I notice from taking Goldenseal?

Side effects from correctly administered Goldenseal usage are thought to be minimal. If you experience any of these side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. May cause neo-natal jaundice. It has been reported that Long tem usage can lead to a weakening of flora in the colon, mucosal irritation, GI tract upset, uterine contractions, neonatal jaundice, hypertension, seizures, inotropic cardiac effects, and respiratory failure. It has been reported that very High dosages can lead to vomiting, difficulty breathing, bradycadia, hypertension, exaggerated reflexes, spasms, convulsions, shock, central paralysis, and death from respiratory failure. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (stop usage and report it to your health care professional if they are continuing or bothersome): Diarrhea Intestinal irritation Irritation to the throat, skin, mouth and vagina. Nausea Vomiting Rash

What do I need to watch out for with Goldenseal?

Read labels carefully before purchasing. There have been reported cases of herbal products being sold that did not contain active ingredients (the herbs active constituents) needed to be of any therapeutic value. Buying a standardized product when purchasing tinctures, capsule, or tablets may reduce the possibility of this occurrence. Look also for products that are clearly labeled with the ingredients contained and amounts.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F). The raw herb, tinctures or infusions should be stored in airtight, dry, and light resistant containers. If there is an expiration date listed on the herbal product, throw away the unused portion after the expiration date. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol.

Can you tell me a little more about Goldenseal?

Goldenseal is a herbaceous perennial that can be found growing in shady woods and damp meadows throughout Vermont to Minnesota, south to Georgia, the Appalachians, and as Fareast as Nebraska. It grows to heights up to 30 cm and bears two unequal terminal ribbed dark green, and palmately cleft leaves. Between May and June it produces a flowering stem 15-30 cm tall. The small flower is solitary, white or rose colored, with three sepals (which fall out soon after opening), and has many stamens. It produces small red berries similar in look to the raspberry but which are not edible. The rhizome is bright yellow, twisted and knotty. Goldenseal's odor is strong and it is very bitter tasting. This indigenous woodland plant of North American has a long history of medicinal use by the Native people in the United States and the European settlers. As early as 1753 there are medicinal references made on the herb. It was officially recognized in the 1880's by the medical community and was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia during this time period. Today is recognized as one of Americans top selling medicinal herbs. Due to it's popularity and subsequent overharvesting this plant is becoming rare to find growing naturally and is nearing extinction in many states.

What are the actions that have been associated with the herb?

Of Goldenseal's constituents, the alkaloids: berberdine, hydrastine and hydrastinine have had the most study. They have demonstrated strong astringent effects on mucous membranes, an ability to reduce inflammation, and have exhibited anti-microbial and antiseptic effects. Goldenseal is said to be an oxytocic, vasoconstrictor and hypertensive. It is thought to help eliminate toxins in the body, to aid digestion, and stimulate the blood. It's broad spectrum anti-microbial behavior is said to be useful in treating Candida, Giardia, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and numerous other bacterial infections without the yeast overgrowth often associated with anti-biotics.

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