What is Goldenseal?

Goldenseal is a medicinal herb in the Buttercup family originating in Eastern North America, and the native Americans have been using it for centuries to treat a wide range of complaints. The first European settlers were introduced to Goldenseal and began to include it in their health care and today the plant is very popular in the United States and in some European countries, especially in combination with Echinacea, another medicinal plant. It can be used locally and internally and is available in tinctures, capsules, infusions and pastirenes. Many names are used to designate Goldenseal, including the ginseng of the poor man and Orangeroot. Due to excessive harvest for the distinctive yellow root, Wild Goldenseal is listed as an endangered species and consumers who are afraid of the viability of this valuable herbs refined by Goldenseal. Fortunately, Goldenseal takes very easily cultivation, although plants must be allowed to grow for at least four years before the use of roots.

Goldenseal sheets are deeply lobeds and appear in two groups. Usually two leaves are located near the ground, with a high fork growing between them. Two more sets of leaves can be found at the tip of the stem during the flowering season, along with greenish to white flowers. If they are fertilized, the flowers turn into small red fruit, which are superficially resembling raspberries. Wildcrafters acknowledge the flowering Goldenseal so that they can return to the collection of roots and the responsible collectors of plants will ensure that enough plants survive next year to promote new growth.

Use for Goldenseal are innumerable, although the plant has not been tested in the laboratory. The alkaline compounds in the root seem to have antibiotic properties and can be useful for wound healing, digestive problems and urinary tract infections. Some individuals also use Goldenseal as laxative, treat inflammation and to calm painful eyes in the form of fine eyethe belief. Goldenseal may not be healthy for pregnant women or people with liver problems and should not be considered viable for long -term use, as it can be neurotoxic in large volumes.