Information On Echinacea And Goldenseal

Native Americans recognized the medicinal value of goldenseal--Hydrastis canadensis--and echinacea hundreds of years ago. Goldenseal and echinacea are often used in conjunction because they combine antibiotic and immune-boosting qualities, though studies have not confirmed the combination's effectiveness. Consult a qualified health professional before taking goldenseal, echinacea or any other herbal supplement.

Identification

The goldenseal plant is composed of two jagged leaves, a hairy stem, flowers, fruit and a yellowish-brown root. Wild goldenseal is increasingly rare due to over-harvesting, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The medicinal value of the plant lies in its roots and stems. While Native Americans have used echinacea for hundreds of years, its recent resurgence as a supplement is due in large part to its popularity in Germany. The herb itself originated in North America's midwest and consists of stems, a single flower and a central cone. A number of varieties of echinacea exist, but three in particular are used for supplements: Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida and Echinacea purpurea.

Traditional Uses

The combination of echinacea and goldenseal is a widely used treatment for relieving symptoms of flu and the common cold. Goldenseal's astringent and antibiotic properties complement echinacea's ability to boost the immune system. Traditionally, goldenseal and echinacea are used to treat inflammation and infections, including ear infections, yeast infections and conjunctivitis. Consult with a medical professional before taking either herb for any illness.

Function

Two alkaloids, hydrastine and berberine, give goldenseal its medicinal value. Berberine fights bacteria and other germs, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. While this is promising, berberine has so far been effective only in fighting bacteria in test tubes. Further studies are necessary to prove its efficacy in humans. The active constituents in echinacea include volatile oils, flavonoids, alkamides, polysaccharides and glycoproteins. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it is the combination of these constituents that makes echinacea effective.

Dosage Information

You may take goldenseal as often as three times per day, as an extract, tincture, capsule or tablet. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends dosages of 2 to 3 ml of tincture; 20 to 120 mg of extract or 500 to 1000 mg in tablet or capsule form. You may also take echinacea three times per day, as a tea, powder, juice, or fresh herb. UMMC recommends 1 to 2 g of echinacea for tea; 2 to 3 ml of echinacea tincture extract; 6 to 9 ml of juice; 300 mg of powdered echinacea; 1 to 3 ml of tincture or 1/3 ml of fresh extract. If you take a commercial supplement that combines the herbs, follow the directions on the label.

Dosage and usage information here is for educational purposes only. It should not replace advice from a health care practitioner.

Precautions

Goldenseal contains berberine, a substance that may interact with certain medications. People taking tetracycline antibiotics or medications that thin blood should avoid goldenseal. Goldenseal may also create health problems for people who are pregnant or have high blood pressure, heart disease or liver problems. Topical goldenseal can irritate the areas in which it is applied. UMMC warns that echinacea's effect on the immune system makes it a poor choice for people who take immunosuppressive drugs. Echinacea may also cause allergic reactions. If you take echinacea and goldenseal and experience any health complications, seek medical help.