Sometimes when it comes to medicinal herbs, I feel like I've been living under a rock. That's how I'm feeling about the Native American medicinal plant goldenseal right now. How is it that I've gone so long without knowing all the benefits that goldenseal offers when it's actually one of the most popular herbs sold in the U.S.? All I ever knew about it was the urban myth (meaning it's NOT true) that it will help you pass a drug test if you haven't actually been drug-free. Well, it might not be able to make you test drug-free when you are not, but goldenseal does have TONS of great uses because of its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. I'm convinced that it is a great addition to any medicine cabinet.
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Goldenseal is available as a tincture, in supplement form or as an ointment. It is so popular that it is over-harvested and very little of it exists in the wild anymore, so if you see any while you are out and about, let it be. This is a precious herb. Buy and use it responsibly, so that it will survive. It is now farmed in Oregon and Washington for use in general market products.
Here are just a few of the conditions that goldenseal can treat:
1. Canker sores. In a mouthwash form goldenseal has a long history of being used to treat canker sores.
2. Cold Sores. Mixed with tinctures of other herbs, goldenseal has been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat cold sores.
3. Cold or sore throat. There is no cure for the common cold, but because of its antimicrobial and auto-immune boosting properties, goldenseal is helpful and does help soothe the discomfort of a sore throat.
4. Pinkeye. Goldenseal eyewashes are used for the treatment of conjunctivitis.
5. Vaginitis. Due to its antimicrobial effects, goldenseal is used to treat inflammation of the vagina.
These are just some of the uses of goldenseal, there are many more. Now as excited as I am about this herb, remember that you should ALWAYS talk to your health care professional and get their advice. Do not go self-diagnosing and sprinkling goldenseal every which way but loose.
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