Echinacea-goldenseal is a liquid herbal compound that combines the immune-enhancing benefits of the echinacea herb with the antimucous properties of goldenseal. Although few studies have been performed on the effectiveness of echinacea-goldenseal over other cold medicines, naturopathic and alternative doctors frequently recommend the herbal blend in tea, tincture and liquid extract form.
Echinacea
According to studies cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center, echinacea contains a number of active components that enhance the activity of the immune system. Echinacea may also be effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation while providing antioxidant and antiviral benefits. Despite encouraging evidence, some researchers debate whether echinacea helps to prevent or treat the common cold, due to the elusive and unpredictable characteristics of many colds.
Benefits of Goldenseal
Goldenseal has an extensive history of use as a treatment for conditions such as colds, respiratory tract infections, skin diseases, ulcers, gonorrhea, diarrhea, eye infections, vaginitis and cancer. Studies cited by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine have linked the compound berberine -- found in small quantities in goldenseal -- with reducing symptoms of certain infections, although more research is required to make a definitive claim. Alternative doctors sometimes recommend goldenseal for infections, inflammation and irritation in the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract.
Echinacea and Goldenseal
Some herbalists, such as botanist Christopher Hobbs, suggest that the combination of echinacea and goldenseal offers a two-pronged approach to fighting the common cold. As the echinacea begins to activate immune fighters such as macrophages, goldenseal reduces the inflammation of mucous membranes in the upper respiratory tract, reducing heat, redness and swelling. This allows the immune system to amplify its attacks on the virus-infected cells, potentially accelerating the rate at which your body expels the infection and removes debris. Although there is insufficient clinical evidence to support the effectiveness of echinacea over a combined echinacea-goldenseal blend, many alternative practitioners opt for using the herbs in combination.
Safety Concerns
Always follow the recommended dosage listed on your product label. Depending on the dilution of your product, you may be advised to limit your daily intake to 2 to 3 mL, 1 to 2 mL or 0.75 mL a day. Talk to your doctor before adding echinacea or goldenseal to your daily routine to avoid potential interactions with other medications you may be taking.
References
- The University of Maryland Medical Center; Echinacea; Steven Ehrlich; December 2009
- MedlinePlus; Goldenseal; July 2011
- Christopher Hobbs; Echinacea and Goldenseal; Christopher Hobbs; 1998
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Goldenseal; July 2010
- HerbalEd: Echinacea-Goldenseal Compound
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