Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) 2 oz (60ml)

As part of the buttercup family of plants, the goldenseal root is one of the more popular natural herbs that you can buy on the market today. If you have never heard of goldenseal, you may have heard of ground raspberry, orange root, jaundice root or even eye balm (other names for the same supplement). Its scientific name is Hydrastis Canadensis, but goldenseal is the most common name for it. If you have ever wondered how this lesser known herb can be of benefit to you, read on to find answers to six commonly asked questions about goldenseal.

The goldenseal root has been around for hundreds of years. In fact, Native Americans used the root for many of their common ailments. Skin disorders, digestive problems and eye irritations were just a few of the many problems that goldenseal was said to solve. When the European settlers arrived in the area, the Iroquois tribe introduced the healing properties of goldenseal to them. As a result, the herb gained popularity throughout the 19^th century. It was also heralded by a renowned herbalist as a cure-all.In recent years, goldenseal has been widely marketed in the natural herbs and health market. The health benefits have been widely discussed and many herbalists promote it as one of the better products that you can buy. As a result, it has become more popular lately and because of this, the price has also increased. Its popularity also depleted natural sources of that plant to the point that Goldenseal became an endangered  Herbalists are encouraged to purchase the root from sustainably grown sources. Tierra Botanica suppliers are sourced based on sustainability of their harvesting practices and Mountain Rose Herbs from Oregon, our Goldenseal supplier, lives by the rules of sustainability.

Echinacea has many of the same properties that goldenseal has. In fact, both herbs are sometimes used interchangeably and they are often combined to increase the potency of the other. There are slight differences, though, but these differences only serve to complement each other rather than create adverse reactions when combined.The goldenseal root has many benefits for the body, especially when mixed with Echinacea. One of the main benefits of Echinacea and goldenseal is that they help to boost the immune system in the body. If you are a person that gets colds quite often or if you suffer from the flu several times throughout the year, you might benefit from Echinacea and goldenseal. With one convenient supplement that has been around for centuries, you can give your immune system the boost it needs to help fight off sicknesses and infections without needing to visit the doctor.In addition to helping the immune system, goldenseal by itself has been known to be a great aid for the digestive system, helping to relieve the symptoms of constipation and diarrhea. Goldenseal extract is also added to several skin and cosmetics products because it is a great natural herb that promotes healthy skin.

(Click here to get access to database of all scientific clinical and test tube studies on Hydrastis canadensis)

Here are some most known benefits of Goldenseal root:

1. Has strong anti-inflammatory compounds

Goldenseal is praised for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s often taken to prevent or treat upper respiratory tract infections and the common cold

2. Helps fight cold, flue and upper respiratory infections

Goldenseal is a popular natural treatment for upper respiratory tract infections, including the common cold. Cell and animal studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses. This includes the virus responsible for the common cold

3. Fighting yeast and urinary tract infections

Goldenseal is a common herbal remedy for UTI and yeast infections. Cell studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may protect your body against various bacteria and fungi. For instance, berberine may stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder, potentially preventing or helping treat a UTI.

Berberine is also believed to keep Candida albicans, a fungus that’s naturally present in the human body, from multiplying in excess . When present in normal numbers, Candida poses no health issues. However, when present in excessive amounts, this fungus can cause vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, skin rashes, and UTIs. In one study, people with recurrent UTIs given a mix of herbal extracts containing berberine were less likely to experience another UTI than those given no berberine.

4. Helps fight Chlamydia and Herpes

Chlamydia and herpes are some of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. When left untreated, chlamydia can cause various complications, including infertility. Moreover, babies born vaginally to mothers with chlamydia have a higher risk of pneumonia and vision problems.

Herpes is a viral infection that causes watery blisters on the skin or mucous membranes of the lips, mouth, or genitalia. It can be transmitted through oral or sexual contact.

A handful of older studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help treat herpes and chlamydia infections.

For instance, some of these studies suggest that vaginal chlamydia infections may be treated with berberine-containing douches, vaginal suppositories, or various types of oral goldenseal supplements. They also propose that berberine-containing plants may help prevent the herpes virus from replicating. One particular study observed that goldenseal mixed with myrrh and thyme helped treat oral herpes. More studies however need to be done to confirm full benefit on human body.

5. Helps improve skin conditions

Berberine-containing plants like goldenseal may benefit your skin. Older test-tube studies suggest that berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, may help fight P. acnes, the bacterium responsible for acne. In addition, animal research suggests that berberine’s anti-inflammatory effects may help treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis.

6. Helps digestion issues

A few test-tube studies suggest that goldenseal extracts may fight H. pylori, a bacterium that can infect the lining of your stomach and has been linked to the appearance of stomach ulcers.

Goldenseal extracts also appear effective against the C. jejuni bacterium, which is a main cause of gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that causes diarrhea and vomiting. According to the World Health Organization, infections with C. jejuni are the most common cause of gastroenteritis.

Berberine, one of the main active compounds in goldenseal, is thought to be largely responsible for this plant’s potential ability to protect against H. pylori and C. jejuni.

7. Possible benefits for diabetic patients

Goldenseal may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that berberine, one of the main compounds in goldenseal, may reduce sugar absorption from the gut, lower insulin resistance, and promote insulin secretion — all of which are factors that may help lower blood sugar levels.

Research further suggests that the blood-sugar-lowering effects of berberine may be as effective as those of metformin, a common anti-diabetic medication. Moreover, the combination of berberine with blood-sugar-lowering medication appears to be more effective than taking blood-sugar-lowering medications on their own. However, although the benefits of berberine appear promising, it’s unclear whether the amount of berberine in goldenseal is sufficient to produce the same effects. Therefore, more goldenseal-specific studies are needed.

INTERACTIONS!!!

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Using goldenseal during pregnancy or breast-feeding is LIKELY UNSAFE for the infant. A hazardous chemical in goldenseal can cross the placenta and can also find its way into breast milk. Brain damage (kernicterus) has developed in newborn infants exposed to goldenseal. Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Children: Don't use goldenseal in newborn babies. It is LIKELY UNSAFE for them. It might cause brain damage (kernicterus).

• Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with GOLDENSEAL

  The body breaks down cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) to get rid of it. Goldenseal might decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). This might cause there to be too much cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) in the body and potentially cause side effects.

• Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with GOLDENSEAL

  Taking goldenseal with digoxin (Lanoxin) might cause a very slight increase in digoxin (Lanoxin) levels in the body. But this does not seem to be an important interaction.

• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with GOLDENSEAL

  Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Goldenseal might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking goldenseal along with some medications that are changed by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking goldenseal talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
  
  Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.

• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with GOLDENSEAL

  Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
  
  Goldenseal might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking goldenseal along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking goldenseal, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
  
  Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.

• Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with GOLDENSEAL

  Some medications are moved by pumps in cells. Goldenseal might make these pumps less active and increase how much of some medications get absorbed by the body. This might increase the amount of some medications in the body, which could lead to more side effects. But there is not enough information to know if this is a big concern.
  
  Some medications that are moved by these pumps include etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, cimetidine, ranitidine, diltiazem, verapamil, corticosteroids, erythromycin, cisapride (Propulsid), fexofenadine (Allegra), cyclosporine, loperamide (Imodium), quinidine, and others.

*These Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA

*This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent  illnesses. Consult your physician before implementing herbal extracts into your diet. Herbal compounds and extracts are very powerful and may interact with medication and may not be recommended if pre-existing conditions are present.