GOLDENSEAL: WHAT IS IT AND WHAT ARE ITS BENEFITS?
Hydrastis Canadensis, better known as goldenseal, is a native North American perennial plant. Traditionally, goldenseal’s leaves and roots have been used to heal various diseases, especially inflammation or infection.
In the modern world, goldenseal still holds significant popularity as a remedial herb. It is used as a component in teas, capsules, and herbal extracts used to treat hay fever, colds, sore gums, digestive problems, and skin problems.
This herb is rich in alkaloid compounds such as berberine, hydrastine, and canadine. These alkaloids contain anti-inflammatory properties, which make for a tremendous medicinal ingredient.
5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Goldenseal
Goldenseal possesses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can effectively fight against many ailments like upper respiratory tract infections, common cold, skin diseases, heavy and painful menstruation, etc.
So what are 5 or more health benefits of goldenseal? Let’s have a look.
1. Helps Treat Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Goldenseal is commonly used to treat colds and other upper respiratory tract infections. Studies conducted on cells and animals claim that the alkaloid berberine, an active component of goldenseal, can be effective against infections created by bacteria or viruses.
However, further research is needed to properly back the effectiveness of goldenseal in treating infections.
2. Can Be Combined With Echinacea
Usually, goldenseal is mixed with echinacea to make over-the-counter herbal medicines for flu and colds.
Echinacea is also a native North American plant that is traditionally used to remedy infections and colds. Combined with goldenseal, it can help treat various illnesses.
3. Helps With Detoxifying And Passing A Drug Test
It is the belief of some that goldenseal helps your body detox from dangerous substances and toxins. However, more studies are needed to prove this claim.
According to a research paper, goldenseal may help eliminate certain drugs from your system quickly through urine. Due to this, it is believed that it may help conceal the use of illicit substances and thus pass a drug test.
4. Effective Against Urinary Tract And Yeast Infections
Goldenseal is also commonly used as a herbal medicine for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and yeast infections.
Studies done on cells report that berberine, one of the major alkaloids found in goldenseal, may be helpful against different bacteria and fungi.
Berberine is also considered to prevent Candida albicans, one of the fungi inside the human body, from procreating in excess.
5. Helps In Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as Chlamydia and herpes, are quite commonplace. The active ingredients of goldenseal, especially berberine, may help fight these diseases, as per studies.
For example, some of these studies say that vaginal Chlamydia may be treated through berberine douches or several kinds of oral goldenseal pills.
Conclusion
Goldenseal is a healthy herb that offers many medicinal benefits. It is a complete package of disease-relieving compounds that are effective while at the same time suitable for many.
