A light green-colored herb with a distinctive pungent aroma, goldenseal root can be found among the aisles of many pharmacies and nutrition stores, sold as a supplement for a variety of purposes. Goldenseal is used as an ingredient in certain herbal tea preparations, and the root has both a rich history and a recent boom of current use that makes it worth examining closely.
Identification
Native to the Americas, goldenseal is the root of a plant with the scientific name of Hydransis canadensis, and is related to the family of buttercup plants, according to Virginia Tech. The two parts of goldenseal's botanical name originate from Greek words meaning "water" and "to accomplish," respectively. Goldenseal was given this name due to its properties, particularly to treat inflammation of mucous membranes throughout the body.
History of Use
Native Americans have a long tradition of using goldenseal root and introduced the root and its medicinal properties to early American settlers who arrived from Europe. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that Native Americans prized the herb for its palliative properties for ailments such as sore eyes, skin problems and digestive disorders. In today's world, goldenseal has a much broader spectrum of use among the general populace.
Goldenseal Supplements and Uses
Powdered goldenseal root is manufactured into supplements of various formulations, including capsules containing the powder and liquid extracts. Goldenseal root is often marketed and used by consumers to treat canker sores, eye infections, respiratory infections, inflammation of the vagina, sore gums and throat, and even to treat certain types of cancer. The herb also has a reputation of cleansing the body of toxins -- a property that has given the herb a special popularity with people who have well-founded concerns about passing an impending urine drug screen.
Effectiveness and Safety
Although many people find goldenseal to be a "miracle herb" effective for treating various ailments, it is essential to note that there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support any of the claims for goldenseal root's properties in alternative medicine. The NCCAM does report that goldenseal root is safe for short-term use, but it may produce nausea or vomiting if you take more than the dose indicated on the supplement's packaging. However, since goldenseal does not have approval by the Food and Drug Administration for any of its uses, if you plan on taking the herb, talk to your doctor first in order to get her advice on whether goldenseal root is the right option for you.
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