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Today's Daily Health Tip
A Closer Look at Goldenseal Root
by Jennifer Good
This week's herbal remedy has a long tradition of use with the Native Americans. These Native Americans introduced the herb, Goldenseal root, to the early American settlers. They prized the herb for it's healing properties with common ailments such as sore eyes, skin issues, and digestive disorders.
1 Today, however, the herb has a much broader usage.
The main active compound in Goldenseal is berberine. In test tubes, berberine has been shown to kill all sorts of bacteria, such as ones that typically lead to diarrhea (E. coli) and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It has also been successful at killing a wide range of germs, such as those that are linked to candida (yeast) infections, parasites, tapeworms, and even Giardia. And because of these antibacterial properties, Berberine has even been used as a disinfectant externally.
1 Goldenseal root is not only used to kill bacterial infections, but is a multi-purpose type of herb that provides immune system support and cleanses vital organs. For instance, the active ingredient Berberine may activate white blood cells, making them more effective at fighting infection and strengthening the immune system. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities as well.
2 Goldenseal root promotes the functioning capacity of the heart, the lymphatic and respiratory system, the liver, the spleen, the pancreas, and the colon. Because of these immune boosting effects, Goldenseal is typically found in herbal remedies for hay fever, colds, and flu, and advised to be taken at the first signs of respiratory disorders, colds or flu, to help prevent further symptoms from developing. It is sometimes used to reduce fevers and relieve congestion and excess mucous.
3 Like most natural remedies, Goldenseal is not just an antibiotic or immune booster, but also known to aid digestion and sooth an upset stomach. Taken internally, Goldenseal root increases digestive secretions, astringes the mucous membranes that line the gut, and helps promote the body's natural inflammatory response system. It also aids digestive health by promoting the production of saliva, bile, and other digestive enzymes. Since it stimulates appetite, it is effective when a low appetite is being experienced, and acts as a mild laxative, while assisting with peptic ulcers.
3 In addition, it may control heavy menstrual bleeding by means of its astringent action.
Goldenseal may be purchased in salve, tablet, tincture form, or as a bulk powder and is often used to boost the medicinal effects of other herbs it is blended or formulated with.
4 However, Goldenseal root should be taken on an "as needed" basis since its antibiotic action, if taken continuously, may upset the natural balance of intestinal flora – and lead to a state of dysbiosis.
For more info on how you can use Goldenseal root in a blood cleansing formula,
click here.
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(1) http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/goldenseal-000252.htm
(2) http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/goldenseal
(3) http://www.health-care-tips.org/herbal-medicines/goldenseal.htm
(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldenseal 
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