Goldenseal is a very commonly used medicinal herb, but it's now nearly extinct in the wild. All goldenseal used medicinally must be cultivated, according to Medicinal Herb Info. The plant's roots and rhizomes are the portions useful in medicinal preparations. Before taking goldenseal or giving it to an infant, consult your health care provider.
Thrush Explained
According to the Mayo Clinic website, thrush is a condition in which a fungus infects the inside lining of the mouth. It causes white lesions on the inner cheeks and the tongue; these lesions may be painful or bleed. The most likely to contract thrush are infants and people with compromised immune systems. It's easy to treat in healthy people but more difficult to treat in people with weaker immune systems.
Goldenseal and Thrush
The University of Maryland medical Center, or UMMC, website lists several common medicinal uses for goldenseal--including as a treatment for upper respiratory problems, as an immune booster and to treat minor wounds. The site also says there isn't much research on the effects of goldenseal to treat any medical conditions. Goldenseal is not reported to have anti-fungal properties, so it would be doubtful for it to benefit thrush sufferers.
Possible Side Effects
The UMMC site cautions that taking goldenseal may result in increased sensitivity to sunlight or irritation of the mouth, skin or throat. The National Center for Complementary or Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, website says goldenseal is only considered safe for use in short periods. The site also explains that some people experience nausea and vomiting from taking goldenseal. The NCCAM site warns that because there is no information about how goldenseal affects unborn, nursing or small infants, pregnant or nursing women should avoid taking goldenseal and it should never be given to infants or young children.
Potential Interactions
Goldenseal may harmfully interact with some drugs, according to Drugs.com. It should not be taken by people who take blood thinners, antibiotics, aspirin or antiviral drugs. If you're concerned about whether goldenseal will interact with other supplements or medications you take, talk about it with your pharmacist or health care provider.
Forms Available
The UMMC website lists the available forms of goldenseal as capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. It also mentions that it can be found as an ingredient in some kinds of mouthwash. The mouthwash, as well as the other forms of goldenseal, should not be used for infants or small children.
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