Bronchial infection arises in your bronchi, the part of your airway that connects your trachea with your lungs. Sometimes it follows a viral or bacterial infection that spreads down from your nose or sinuses into your bronchi. Goldenseal is a traditional herbal remedy that may help prevent bronchial infection or speed your recovery if you already have an infection. Talk to your doctor about goldenseal to decide if it might be helpful for you.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
The cause of a bronchial infection may be either a virus or bacterium that lodges and grows in your bronchi. Symptoms might include a feeling of tightness or discomfort in your chest, a cough that brings up mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, fever and a sense of constant fatigue. Occasionally, you may also experience swelling of your legs or feet and pale or bluish lips due to poor oxygenation of your blood. Babies, children and the elderly have an increased risk of bronchial infection, as do smokers and anyone with heart or lung disease.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal, or Hydrastis canadensis, is a small plant native to the temperate regions of the U.S. It has been a traditional herbal remedy among Native Americans for centuries, used mainly for skin or digestive problems and to soothe the eyes. Because of over-harvesting, the goldenseal plant has become rare and its commercial use is now closely regulated. Goldenseal contains compounds called berberine, hydrastine and canadine that are natural antibacterial agents.
Properties
Goldenseal helps suppress inflammation often associated with bronchial infection. It also boosts the immune system by activating cells called macrophages that engulf and destroy pathogens. Berberine from goldenseal also has potent antibiotic activity, killing various types of infectious micro-organisms, at least in the laboratory. In a study of several ingredients in goldenseal published in "Planta Medica" in 2003, researchers found that the preparation destroyed several pathogens commonly associated with the respiratory tract, including two species of Streptococcus. However, these promising findings still need to be confirmed in clinical studies with human subjects.
Recommendations and Precautions
Goldenseal is available as a supplement in tablets or capsules from most health food stores. The usual adult dose is 500 to 1,000 mg, up to three times daily. Although it is generally considered safe, goldenseal is not recommended for children. The herb may cause skin or mouth irritation or increased sensitivity to sunlight in some people, and it may also interact with some medications such as blood thinners. Do not take goldenseal if you have high blood pressure or heart disease or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Consult your doctor to discuss goldenseal before adding it to your regimen.
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