Use Goldenseal as an Antiseptic
Goldenseal, a member of the buttercup family, has been used by natural healers for everything from digestive problems to cancer. Its usefulness in many of these areas is not confirmed by modern medicine but it is marketed and used today in combination with Echinacea in herbal remedies to protect against the common cold and as an antiseptic for use in and around the mouth. Although no medical benefits have been confirmed for the herb, certain alkaloids are being studied for their effectiveness in treating diabetes and AIDS. These alkaloids are what make goldenseal, also known as yellow root, useful as an astringent and antiseptic.
Instructions
1. Find prepared goldenseal or yellow root labeled for use as an antiseptic or astringent. Look in a natural foods store or online but be sure to buy from a reputable source since herbal remedies are not regulated for potency and purity. The root of the goldenseal plant is ground into a powder and the herb is available in extract, tincture or powder form to be reconstituted and used as a rinse. Goldenseal is available in capsule or tea form for other uses. Since herbal therapies are not regulated like medicines, avoid homemade preparations generally. Check any preparations to be used in or around the eyes for labels indicating that they have been prepared under sterile conditions.
2. Mix a rinse or topical (to be used on the surface of the skin) application according to package directions. Always use distilled or drinking water for preparation, taking care to use only clean dishes and implements. Since, like any herb or natural remedy, packaging is not regulated, be sure that your package gives straightforward, specific directions concerning the preparation and use of its contents. The herb can also be used as eyewash for tired or irritated eyes but only sterile solutions can be used for this purpose. Some commercially packaged sterile eyewash preparations contain goldenseal.
3. Use Goldenseal as a mouth rinse for canker sores, cracked lips and sores or discomfort in and around the mouth. Use it as a topical preparation for athlete's foot. Goldenseal's alkaloids, berberine and hydrastine, act on fungi and bacteria as an antiseptic. Overuse or mixtures that are too concentrated can cause mouth ulcers or contact dermatitis. Signs of overdose are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If any of these symptoms occur, stop using the herb immediately. Consult your health care professional if they persist.
4. Try goldenseal as a topical preparation for acne, sunburn and on shaving cuts. Goldenseal also acts as an astringent on the small blood vessels near the skin and can be applied to small wounds or used as an anti-inflammatory.
5. Always use goldenseal according to directions. Although it has been used throughout North American history as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent, there are some people who should not use it. Pregnant women and those with cardiovascular disease should avoid it and the herb will interact adversely with anticoagulants and antihypertensive drugs. Anyone using goldenseal as a mouth rinse should avoid overuse as goldenseal's effectiveness declines with repeated use.
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