Golden Seal is a North American native herb growing in the Appalachian Mountains region. The American Indian tribes of Kickapoo, Catawba, Cherokee and Iroquois used the Golden Seal root as an herbal remedy for centuries. They used this herb as an insect repellent and for treating inflamed or sore mouth and eyes. In the 1600s in the early pioneers of Kentucky and Ohio adopted the use of this herb from the native Indians.
This plant has a root that is golden yellow with scars that look similar to that of the seal. Hence the name Golden Seal. This herb is also called eye root, yellow puccoon, eye balm, yellow root and ground raspberry. The root of this plant contains valuable medicinal properties. Golden seal is a plant from the buttercup or crowfoot family.
Golden Seal is a powerful antibiotic from nature to fight infection and virus. When combined with Echinacea it is an effective treatment for colds and flu. As an antibacterial it is a potent remedy for tonsillitis, sinus infections, liver disorders and urinary infections.
Golden Seal aids the digestive system by promoting strong digestion and increases hydrochloric acid production. It is an effective treatment for all kinds of stomach problems. Dysentery, indigestion, chronic gastritis, colitis and ulcers are some of these complaints.
Golden Seal is an excellent herb for skin, ear and eye disorders. It is used to treat herpes sores, mouth and gum sores, denture sores and fever blisters. To treat earache Golden Seal is mixed with olive oil into an ear drop. An eye wash is made from strained Golden Seal tea for pink eyes. Golden seal tincture when mixed with witch hazel is an effective cure for ringworm, eczema and itching. Tea of this herb can be used as a wash for Candida yeast infections.
Golden Seal is used by many alternative care and holistic practitioners to treat drug addictions due to its ability to cleanse the body of foreign organisms. It has become a preferred remedy for Malaria over Quinine. This herb has none of the side effects of the drug. Golden Seal can regulate blood sugar level due to its natural insulin. It is also a laxative useful for treating habitual constipation. Golden Seal eases breast swelling and pain and alleviates nausea during pregnancy.
Golden Seal is available in the form of tablet, capsule, tincture and tea. The recommended dosage is between 250 to 500 mg three times a day. It is safe with no side effects when the recommended dosage is taken. Golden Seal should not be taken for more than a period of two weeks.
For those who suffer from low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia) or high blood pressure Golden Seal is not recommended. Pregnant or nursing women must avoid using this herb. It must not be taken for a long period without break. Golden Seal could be poisonous and unsafe if too much is consumed. Stomach cramps, anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and sensitive to sunlight are some of the side effects. Golden Seal can affect the effectiveness of some prescription drugs.
In North America today Golden Seal remains one of the most popular herbs. This plant is very sensitive and takes up to five years to produce. There is a great demand for this herb worldwide. Because the supplies are low Golden Seal has become one of the most expensive herbal products. Golden Seal is now acknowledged by the herbal medicine industry as a natural antibiotic and a immune system booster.
Other Common Names: Goldenseal, eyebalm, ground raspberry, orangeroot, yellowroot, yellow puccoon, Indian dye, eye root, Jaundice root.
Habitat: Golden Seal is a plant found in the Northeastern United States in shady woodland areas at the edges of forests in rich, moist soil. This plant prefers slightly acidic soils and will prosper in partial sun, or even shaded areas.
Description:Golden seal is a small perennial herb. The woody, yellowish rhizome gives rise to a single hairy, stem and top with two 5-9 lobed leaves which terminate in a single greenish-white flower. It grows to a height of about 30 centimeters. The knotty, yellowish-brown rhizome is roughly 5 centimeters long and 1 centimeter thick with an abundance of rootlets. It has a strong odor and bitter taste. The golden seal does produce a fruit, similar to the raspberry in appearance, but it is not edible.
Plant Parts Used: The root of this plant is used in medicinal and herbal uses.
Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of The Golen Seal Root
* Golden seal is used as a treatment, especially in combination with echinacea, for some respiratory complaints such as stuffy noses, sinus problems, and symptoms of the common cold. * It is also used, in combination with other herbs, to cleanse the body of toxins and help purify the kidneys and urinary tract. * It is gaining popularity as an anti-diabetic treatment as well. It has been shown to increase insulin production and, through separate pathways, lower blood sugar levels. This use must be monitored closely due to golden seal's tendency to raise blood pressure, which is a common complication of diabetes. * Golden seal is also effective for treating skin irritations such as acne, rashes, fungus and bacteria. It is also effective for mouth ulcers and other irritations to the mucous membranes of the mouth. * Due to its effects on blood vessel tone it has been used to control the bleeding of excessive menstruation and other internal bleeds. This increase in tone also leads to its use to stop persistent external bleeds as well.
Potential Side Effects of Golden Seal
Golden seal use can cause emotional changes and nausea. It may also cause a rise in blood pressure and has been shown in some cases to lower blood sugar levels. Due to its uterine contracting abilities it is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Golden seal may irritate the structures of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in those who already have GI disorders. Topical use may cause the skin in the affected areas to become more sensitive to sunlight.
Golden seal may cause an increase in the sedative effect of other herbs or drugs used for sedation. It may also interfere with drugs used to lower blood pressure. Those on blood sugar control medications should monitor their levels closely while taking goldenseal. It may also counter the effects of drugs used to prevent acid reflux or chronic gastric acid issues.
Dosage and Administration
Golden seal can be found in oral forms such as tablets or capsules. These capsules should be taken according to manufacturers suggested dosing. Golden seal may also be found in a powdered form that can be used to make a mouthwash or skin wash as well. Mixing 2 teaspoons of dried golden seal root and 5 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes will yield a good mouthwash or skin wash. This may be used up to 4 times a day.
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