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I remind you that the information provided in this series is for information purposes only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, neither is it to be construed as such. It does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment where required. Consult a doctor for medical advice, treatment or diagnosis.
Also, while every attempt is made to ensure accuracy, you are strongly advised to take responsibility and do your own research.
In the previous article, we looked at Ginseng (Panex ginseng, Panex quinquefolius), another very popular herb that is under threat.
In this article, we will look at Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L., Ranunculaceae), what it is, purported benefits, and how to plant it.
What is goldenseal?
Goldenseal is a perennial herb that is part of the Buttercup family. It is native to North America only. Goldenseal is used as medicine in a variety of ways both topically as well as internally. You can purchase it in bulk powder, as a salve, tincture, or a tablet. Internally it purported to be a great digestion aid and if gargled with it apparently removes canker sores (mouth ulcers).
Tip: something else that might be just as good for gargling and removing mouth ulcers is Hydrogen Peroxide. Plus, it’s cheap!
Threats due to over harvesting
Goldenseal has been around since its long-time use by Native Americans. However, it is now threatened because Goldenseal is one of the most over harvested herbs. You could group it alongside ginseng as being under threat.
Large-scale collections for financial gain are bound to contribute to little or no recovery of the plant.
Unless we learn to give back.
In 1997, the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposed placing this plant on the list of endangered species. The proposal was formally approved at the Conference of Parties held in Zimbabwe in July 1997.
Anyone planning to export/re-export this plant anywhere in the world must apply for an export permit from the USFWS.
The plant is grown commercially now in the United States, especially in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Common usage
Goldenseal which also goes by the name “Yellow Root” is often combined with Echinacea and prepared for easing the symptoms of colds. It is the underground root of Goldenseal that is harvested and dried to make teas and both liquid and solid extracts that are then turned into bulk powder, capsules or tablets.
No clinical evidence?
Scientists claim that there is no evidence to support the use of Goldenseal for any ailments or medical condition whatsoever because of the very small amount of berberine that Goldenseal contains. Despite the lack of clinical evidence, Goldenseal is one of the most widely sold herbs on the market today.
Recall the previous video, there are other chemicals in goldenseal such as hydrastine and canadine.
There may be other reasons for its huge popularity, especially in Europe, that go beyond medicinal use. This might include the commercial exploitation of patents.
If Goldenseal is one of the most popular herbs on the market today, then someone is keeping this multi-million-dollar business going. It is indeed the case that many people are turning to herbal remedies in an attempt to heal themselves naturally rather than take (multiple) prescriptions that often have unpleasant side effects.
A popular topical usage
A very popular herbal topical preparation is attributed to Jethro Kloss. To make the popular Kloss Liniment, here is a presentation from Mountain Rose Herbs. While Goldenseal may not be mentioned as an ingredient, it can be used in the same preparation as a substitute.
This company also features a video on how to cultivate Goldenseal (see the last link in the Sources section below).
Adverse effects
If you are a type 2 diabetic taking metformin, consult with your primary healthcare provider before taking goldenseal, as this may hinder glucose control.
Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you are advised not to use it. And it must not be given to infants.
Giving back to Mother Earth
Given the overharvesting of this plant, if you must include this herb as part of your health regimen, look for products that are ORGANICALLY sourced.
Also, there are so many other herbs around that do similar things as you might require.
If you would like to plant it, check out this video from Strictly Medicinal LLC (they sell seeds):
In the next article, we will look at Gypsywort.
To a better, wiser, stronger YOU!
Sources:
Goldenseal. Located at National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (online),
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/goldenseal [Accessed May 16, 2023]
Goldenseal In World Trade: Pressures and Potentials by Joy Elvey Bannerman. Located at American Botanical Council (online), https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/41/table-of-contents/article1262/ [Accessed May 16, 2023]
Protecting Goldenseal: How Status Assessments Inform Conservation by Leah E. Oliver and Danna J. Leaman PhD. Located at American Botanical Council (online), https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/herbalgram/issues/119/table-of-contents/hg119-feat-goldenseal/ [Accessed May 16, 2023]
Farm Stories: Growing Goldenseal. Located at Mountain Rose Herbs (online), https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/farm-stories-growing-goldenseal [Accessed May 16, 2023]
Goldenseal: Planting a Future for One of Our Most At-Risk Herbs. Located at Mountain Rose Herbs (online), https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/goldenseal-planting-a-future-for-one-of-our-most-at-risk-herbs [Accessed May 16, 2023]
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