Guest guest Posted March 30, 2006 Report Share Posted March 30, 2006 Goldenseal Goldenseal is known as Hydrastis canadensis is the Latin. This is an herb that grows in moist woods and meadows from the eastern to the central United States. It is a perennial with a hairy stem and two five-lobed serrated leaves. The flower is greenish white and the plant is sometimes called the 'ground raspberry' because of the appearance of its fruit. The part used herbally is the yellow root, which must be used carefully because it stains the clothing and hands. Goldenseal is becoming increasingly popular as a remedy for bacterial infections and colds, yet few people truly understand how to use it. It is an antibiotic, and like any antibiotic it has the property of killing off unwanted bacteria while at the same time wreaking havoc with friendly bacteria in the intestinal tract. Like all antibiotics it is useless against viral conditions. This herb is valuable when used wisely for sinus infections, colds of bacterial origin, infection in the bladder and pancreas, as a douche, and as an antiseptic mouthwash. Gum infections such as pyorrhea can be helped by brushing the powdered root directly onto the gums. Goldenseal is sometimes mixed with powdered aloes, myrrh, and cayenne for an infection-fighting tooth powder. Try not to get the mixture on your tongue, as it is extremely bitter. Powdered goldenseal can be inhaled as a snuff to relieve congested sinuses. It has been used in small amounts as an anti-nauseant in pregnancy. The tea, carefully strained through a clean cheescloth or organic coffee filter, makes an excellent eye wash for conjunctivitis and other eye infections. Externally is can be applied to skin conditions of all kinds, including ringworm, wounds, and strep infection. Keep in mind that caution must be used with this herb. As with any antibiotic, always follow a long course of goldenseal with bacteria-building foods such as miso, sauerkraut, yogurt, and garlic. People with high blood pressure should probably avoid it, and pregnant women should use it sparingly. To make the tea use a half teaspoon of the root per cup of water and simmer for about twenty minutes in a non-aluminum pot with a tight-fitting lid. The tea can be taken in quarter cup doses, for times a day, and not with meals. The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.~ Albert Einstein ~ Check Out My Groups: Everything Natural http://health./ Everything Magick EverythingMagick/ -- Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.3.3/296 - Release 3/29/2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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