Golden Seal

An herb on the endangered list! Endangered species belonging to the animal kingdom are heard of. Unfortunate species may be wiped out from the face of earth. But now some feel that the Goldenseal too should be placed in this list.

Goldenseal is an herb in such great demand. Huge quantities of it are imported by Europe. Demand has outstripped supply to such an extent that prices have skyrocketed. Goldenseal can be cultivated, but the herb found growing wildly is acutely in short supply.

International Trade of Plants is under the provisions of an international treaty known as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). 160 countries are signatories to this treaty. This is monitored by Traffic USA. Traffic USA has now put up a proposal to include goldenseal in the CITES Appendix II listing.

Cultivation of goldenseal

Cultivation of golden seal requires rich, loamy and well-drained soils. Its healthy growth is ensured by a proper shade. Ideally it grows well under large trees. In the absence of trees an artificial shade works just as fine.

Yellow colored roots

This white flowered plant has bright yellow roots. That's why Golden seal is known by many names. Yellow root, yellow eye, wild turmeric, yellow paint, are some of its well-known names.

Medicinal properties of goldenseal

Goldenseal is available in tabular and liquid form. Its root extracts are in granular form. Goldenseal's medicinal properties are many.

• Its bitter taste increases the production of bile and cures digestive problems.
• Its herbal tincture mouthwash works very well for mouth sores or mouth ulcers.
• Goldenseal's strong and bitter taste makes it a cure for bacteria, E.coli and yeast infections.
• It is an ideal medicine for cold and cough. It is also believed to be an effective expectorant.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties. So it is used as a cure for eye, nose, ear and throat inflammations. Eyewash with goldenseal cures conjunctivitis too.
• Its anti microbial properties make it a good medicine for healing wounds.
• Native Americans use it for treating whooping cough, pneumonia and snakebite.
• Goldenseal contains many vitamins like A, C and E. Apart from this it contains calcium, iron and manganese.
• Some believe it may have cancer curing properties.

Goldenseal a notoriously famous herb:

Sportsmen, using the wrong route to success, use this herb thinking that it might mask the steroids they use. They feel this herb might affect the urine analysis. Unfortunately they are sorrowfully wrong.

When is goldenseal unsafe?

• Golden seal is unsafe when taken in large quantities. Goldenseal contains alkaloids that may be unsafe. If it has to be taken for long durations, then there should be a break between periods of regular use. The medicine can be restarted after a break.
• Pregnant women, or those trying to conceive should totally avoid goldenseal. It is believed that Berberine in this herb causes uterine contractions.
• Mothers, breast-feeding their young should also avoid goldenseal. The doctor should be kept informed of the presence of an infant. Goldenseal is not safe for babies.
• Goldenseal is not for people with high blood pressure too.

Warning signals

The doctor should be immediately informed if the side effects of consuming goldenseal are chest pain, skin rashes, etc. Other symptoms may also appear. Any such complications call for an immediate withdrawal of this herbal medicine.

Goldenseal is known to cause some side effects for some people. But the larger picture portrays goldenseal to be of immense benefit.