1. Healthy Little Root
Goldenseal is one of the most commonly used drugs in the herbalist's medicine cabinet. Although Goldenseal is an herb related to the buttercup, the herbal benefits come from the thick yellow root, which is dried and powdered for use in herbal remedies. Although wild goldenseal is endangered because it has been overharvested, it is now cultivated specifically for medicinal purposes.
2. Soothe Your Stomach
Goldenseal is a useful treatment for tummy ailments such as indigestion, bloating, gas and diarrhea. Pick up some goldenseal capsules at your local natural food store and take one about a half an hour before every meal. Goldenseal is also useful for that traveler's distress known as "Montezuma's Revenge," so if you're planning a trip south of the border, take along a few goldenseal capsules, or tuck some teabags in your purse or luggage. For digestive disturbances, herbal medicine practitioners often recommend taking three 500 milligram capsules per day.
3. First Rate First Aid
Goldenseal has healing properties that are terrific for healing minor skin wounds. Make sure the skin is clean and dry, and then apply a generous layer of goldenseal ointment, cream or powder. Goldenseal will not only help the wound to heal faster, but has antibiotic properties that can prevent infection. You can also soak a clean cloth in goldenseal tea and press the damp cloth over a wound.
4. Relief for Eyes, Ears and Mouth
Goldenseal tincture, (goldenseal extract mixed with alcohol,) makes an excellent natural treatment for earaches. Mix 3 to 4 drops of tincture with 1 tbsp. of olive oil and place a few drops of the warm mixture directly into the ear. For sores in the mouth, including canker sores and fever blisters, brew a cup of tea, and gargle it 2 to 3 times a day. For tired eyes, sties or conjunctivitis (pinkeye), soak a cloth in goldenseal tea and swab the eyes several times a day.
5. Cautions and Side Effects
Goldenseal is generally safe and side effects are rare. Some people may experience irritation of the throat and mouth, or stomach upset and nausea. For that reason, it shouldn't be used more than two weeks at a time. Goldenseal shouldn't be given to young children and it should be avoided by pregnant women nursing mothers. Be sure to read the directions on the bottle, and don't take a higher dose than it recommends.
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