Golden Seal is a North American native plant growing in the Appalachian Mountains region. The American Indian tribes of Kickapoo, Catawba, Cherokee and Iroquois used the Golden Seal root as an herbal remedy for centuries. They used this as an insect repellent and for treating inflamed or sore mouth and eyes. In the 1600s in the early pioneers of Kentucky and Ohio adopted the use of this herb from the native Indians.
The root of this plant is bright yellow in color with scars that look like that of the seal and hence the herb is called. It is also known by names such as eye root, yellow puccoon, eye balm, ground raspberry and yellow root. The root is the part that contains the medicinal properties. This herb is from the same family as buttercup or crowfoot.
Golden Seal is Nature's powerful antibiotic for fighting infection and virus. It is an effective treatment for colds and flu when combined with Echinacea. The antibacterial properties of this herb make it a powerful treatment for tonsillitis, sinus infections, liver disorders and urinary infections.
By promoting strong digestion and increases hydrochloric acid production Golden Seal aids the digestive system and keeps it healthy. Stomach problems such as dysentery, indigestion, chronic gastritis, colitis and ulcers can be effectively treated with this plant.
Golden Seal is an excellent remedy for skin, ear and eye disorders. It is used to treat herpes sores, mouth and gum sores, denture sores and fever blisters. To treat earache it is mixed with olive oil into an ear drop. An eye wash is made from strained Golden Seal tea for pink eyes. Its tincture when mixed with witch hazel is an effective cure for ringworm, eczema and itching. Tea of this herb can be used as a wash for Candida yeast infections.
Golden Seal is used by many alternative care and holistic practitioners to treat drug addictions due to its ability to cleanse the body of foreign organisms. This herb has become a preferred remedy for Malaria over Quinine. It has none of the side effects of the drug. This plant can regulate blood sugar level due to its natural insulin. It is also a laxative useful for treating habitual constipation. Golden Seal eases breast swelling and pain and alleviates nausea during pregnancy.
You can purchase golden seal as tablets, capsules, tincture and tea. The recommended dosage is 250 to 500 mg three times a day. When the right dosage is taken it is safe with no side effects. Golden Seal must not be used by those who suffer from low blood sugar (Hypoglycaemia) or high blood pressure. It is also not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. This herb must not be taken over a long period. Over use could be poisonous and unsafe. Some side effects include stomach cramps, anxiety, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and sensitive to sunlight. Golden Seal can interfere with the effectiveness of some prescription medications.
Today in United States Golden Seal remains one of the most popular herbs. It is a very sensitive plant that can take up to five years to mature. The demand far exceeds the supplies and this herb is also therefore one of the most costly herbal products. The herbal medicine industry has accepted Golden Seal as a natural antibiotic and a booster for the immune system.
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