Page 181 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

It flowers from approximately late April through early Skin Eruptions: Topical application of goldenseal
May. Its single flowers have numerous white pro- root treats skin ulcers, boils, rashes, and general skin
truded stamens. The 3 sepals fall as the flower opens. irritations. For extensive skin infections or rashes, add
Its basal leaf is usually solitary and quickly falls off internal goldenseal root powder taken for up to three
leaving just the two cauline leaves. They are toothed, weeks. Extensive or chronic problems may require
5-lobed with ridged veins, and are 1 to 4 inches (2.5 cm multiple rounds of goldenseal, each followed by a week
to 10 cm) when the flower opens, but grow to 12 inches off. Mouth ulcers like canker sores and other irrita-
(30 cm). tions to the mucous membranes of the mouth can be

Its fruits first appear green and then ripen into a bright treated effectively using this herb.
red aggregate of achenes. These are visible from mid to Cleanse Body Toxins: Goldenseal helps remove
late summer. toxins from the body and purify the kidneys and uri-
nary tract. Often used in combination with other herbs
for this purpose.
Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetics:
Goldenseal helps boost the production of insulin in di-
abetics and lowers blood sugar levels. Monitor diabet-
ics carefully when giving goldenseal because some
have had elevated blood pressure as a result of taking
goldenseal. When blood pressure is a problem, choose
a different treatment.
Goldenseal will not replace injected insulin, but it does
encourage the body to produce more insulin so that the
Type 2 diabetics may be able to reduce their insulin
doses over time.
Medicinal Use: The root is used for medicine. Dos-
age depends on the size of the person and the degree of Yeast and Fungal Infections: Goldenseal treats
illness. Use smaller doses as a preventative. Do not use yeast infections, athlete’s foot, and skin irritations
if you have an autoimmune disorder. caused by fungi and bacteria, such as acne. Treat the
Use Goldenseal in Combination with Other affected area by applying goldenseal extract to the
problem area.
Herbs: Goldenseal is often combined with Echina-
cea. Goldenseal boosts the effects of many other herbs. Bleeding: Goldenseal powder applied to wounds
helps stop or control bleeding. It is also used internally
Respiratory Issues, Colds, and Flu: Golden- for controlling heavy menstrual bleeding and internal
seal reduces irritation and inflammation of the mucous bleeding. It tones the blood vessels, reducing bleeding
membranes, making it an ideal addition for the treat- quickly.
ment of respiratory problems. It is also anti-microbial
and anti-viral. For colds, the flu, and other respiratory Harvesting: Harvest goldenseal in the autumn after
problems its efficacy is well established. the plant has died back. Look for older plants with
large rhizomes. Take care when digging roots to keep
Bacterial and Viral Infections: The anti-micro- the rhizomes intact. Leave as many of the fibrous roots
bial properties of goldenseal root are effective against behind as possible to reestablish the plants.
many bacterial infections including vaginal infections,
infectious diarrhea, colds and flu, eye infections, and Warning: People with autoimmune conditions
urinary tract infections. should not use goldenseal internally as it is an im-
mune-system booster and may lead to a flare-up.
Goldenseal root is used for bacterial and viral infec-
tions. Goldenseal infusion can be used as a douche. In- Watch blood sugar and blood pressure closely when
fections respond well to both internal and external use using goldenseal, because it can lower blood sugars
of goldenseal extract. and raise blood pressure.

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