Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis

chronic diarrhea. Fireweed leaf tea, decoction, or tincture treats colitis and IBS. Lung Congestion and Sore Throats: Fireweed is high in mucilage and has anti-spasmodic properties that make it useful for treating lung problems, asthma, coughs, and bronchial spasms. The mucilage soothes a sore throat. Anti-inflammatory: Fireweed is an anti-inflammatory. It is ideal for long term use where inflammation is chronic. Migraines: Fireweed Tincture is used for migraines. Take as soon as the headache begins and up to 3 times daily as needed. Butterbur and Feverfew also work well for migraines, as does magnesium. Skin Problems: Both the leaves and flowers are soothing to the skin and are useful in treating inflammatory skin problems as well as those caused by bacteria or fungal infections. Use a Fireweed Decoction as a wash or compress on psoriasis, eczema, acne, skin rashes, wounds, infections, and burns. Harvesting: Harvest young shoots in the spring and early summer while the leaves are close to the stem and point upward. Young leaves can be harvested individually for edible use. Flower buds are edible. If you harvest when the plant is in flower simply pinch off leaves that are vibrant green and healthy looking. Air dry the leaves or use a dehydrator on low. Store in a cool, dark, and dry place. Harvest roots in the summer and autumn and mash them to make a soothing poultice. Recipes: Fireweed Leaf Tea: Add several fireweed leaves to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for about 15 minutes. Remove the leaves and enjoy. Use up to three cups daily. Fireweed Tincture: You’ll need: 4 ounces (113g) fresh fireweed leaves and flowers, 8 ounces (250ml) 80 proof vodka, brandy, or other drinking alcohol and a clean, sterile glass jar and tight-fitting lid. Chop and pound the fireweed herb to a pulp and put into a glass jar. Mix in the alcohol slowly, stirring to spread the herb throughout the alcohol. Cap. Place the jar in a cool, dry place for 5 to 6 weeks, shaking daily. Strain the pulp from the liquid and place the tincture in a clean jar. Cover tightly, label and date. Store the tincture in a cool, dark place for 3 to 5 years. Fireweed Decoction: Ingredients: 2 ounces (56g) of fireweed leaves, 1-quart (1 Liter) of water. Bring the water and leaves to a boil and turn off the heat. Steep the decoction for 30 minutes. Strain the mixture and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Take 2 ounces (60ml) every four to 6 hours or as needed or use the decoction as a wash or in a compress directly on the skin.

Goldenseal often seems like a cure-all. It is as an antiinflammatory, an anti-microbial, and an immune booster. Hydrastis canadensis is also known as Orangeroot or Yellow Puccoon. Goldenseal is in the Buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, though its leaves and fruit somewhat resemble those of the Raspberry and the Rubus genus. Goldenseal is commonly found in rich, moist, shady forests, under hardwood trees. Goldenseal grows across eastern North America. Identification: Goldenseal has a thick knotty, yellowish-brown rhizome that is approximately 2 inches (5 cm) long and ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick with a lot of rootlets. The plant grows 6 to 12 (15 cm to 30 cm) inches tall. It has a strong odor and bitter taste. It produces a fruit similar to the raspberry in appearance, but the fruit is not edible. The plant is easily distinguished from other Ranunculaceae family members during the flowering period as it has only 2 deeply alternate palmately-lobed leaves on the stem and solitary white flowers that have no petals.

It flowers from approximately late April through early May. Its single flowers have numerous white protruded stamens. The 3 sepals fall as the flower opens. Its basal leaf is usually solitary and quickly falls off leaving just the two cauline leaves. They are toothed, 5-lobed with ridged veins, and are 1 to 4 inches (2.5 cm to 10 cm) when the flower opens, but grow to 12 inches (30 cm). Its fruits first appear green and then ripen into a bright red aggregate of achenes. These are visible from mid to late summer.

Medicinal Use: The root is used for medicine. Dosage depends on the size of the person and the degree of illness. Use smaller doses as a preventative. Do not use if you have an autoimmune disorder.

Use Goldenseal in Combination with Other

Herbs: Goldenseal is often combined with Echinacea. Goldenseal boosts the effects of many other herbs. Respiratory Issues, Colds, and Flu: Goldenseal reduces irritation and inflammation of the mucous membranes, making it an ideal addition for the treatment of respiratory problems. It is also anti-microbial and anti-viral. For colds, the flu, and other respiratory problems its efficacy is well established. Bacterial and Viral Infections: The anti-microbial properties of goldenseal root are effective against many bacterial infections including vaginal infections, infectious diarrhea, colds and flu, eye infections, and urinary tract infections. Goldenseal root is used for bacterial and viral infections. Goldenseal infusion can be used as a douche. Infections respond well to both internal and external use of goldenseal extract. Skin Eruptions: Topical application of goldenseal root treats skin ulcers, boils, rashes, and general skin irritations. For extensive skin infections or rashes, add internal goldenseal root powder taken for up to three weeks. Extensive or chronic problems may require multiple rounds of goldenseal, each followed by a week off. Mouth ulcers like canker sores and other irritations to the mucous membranes of the mouth can be treated effectively using this herb. Cleanse Body Toxins: Goldenseal helps remove toxins from the body and purify the kidneys and urinary tract. Often used in combination with other herbs for this purpose.

Lower Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetics:

Goldenseal helps boost the production of insulin in diabetics and lowers blood sugar levels. Monitor diabetics carefully when giving goldenseal because some have had elevated blood pressure as a result of taking goldenseal. When blood pressure is a problem, choose a different treatment. Goldenseal will not replace injected insulin, but it does encourage the body to produce more insulin so that the Type 2 diabetics may be able to reduce their insulin doses over time. Yeast and Fungal Infections: Goldenseal treats yeast infections, athlete’s foot, and skin irritations caused by fungi and bacteria, such as acne. Treat the affected area by applying goldenseal extract to the problem area. Bleeding: Goldenseal powder applied to wounds helps stop or control bleeding. It is also used internally for controlling heavy menstrual bleeding and internal bleeding. It tones the blood vessels, reducing bleeding quickly. Harvesting: Harvest goldenseal in the autumn after the plant has died back. Look for older plants with large rhizomes. Take care when digging roots to keep the rhizomes intact. Leave as many of the fibrous roots behind as possible to reestablish the plants. Warning: People with autoimmune conditions should not use goldenseal internally as it is an immune-system booster and may lead to a flare-up. Watch blood sugar and blood pressure closely when using goldenseal, because it can lower blood sugars and raise blood pressure.

Goldenseal, Luiscoronel, CC by SA 3.0