Nov

Goldenseal for peptic ulcer

Posted by frann under Not so common herbs

goldenseal Goldenseal for peptic ulcer Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis, is also called eye balm, eye root, ground raspberry, Indian plant, jaundice root, orange root, turmeric root, yellow puccoon and yellow root. It is not related to turmeric or to bloodroot (also called Indian paint). Due to excessive collection during the twentieth century, it has become scarce in parts of its natural range, and is now a protected species, which may not be collected from the wild.

Goldenseal is a hardy perennial about a foot high. It does not like alkaline soil, but is otherwise unfussy about soil, so long as it is moist. It grows best in shade, like American ginseng, and was often found growing in the same areas as that plant, and was harvested by the same collectors, leading to the scarcity which now exists. If you have a nice moist shady area in the garden, you may wish to grow goldenseal there (as well as American ginseng). It can be grown from seed (which is slow to germinate), and also propagated by division, or by root cuttings. Probably the best way to start would be to obtain 2 or 3 plants from a specialist nursery and plant them out in a moist shady area – as long as you do not garden on chalk or lime, in which case you may need to create a pocket of acid soil by sinking a container of ericaceous compost into the ground and planting it into that.

One of the references I’ve consulted says that goldenseal is poisonous, but none of the other authorities (including RHS Encyclopedia of Herbs) makes any mention of this, so I’m not sure whether to accept this. However, goldenseal should only be used internally for short periods (no more than 3 months), as it will destroy friendly bacteria along with the rest. This herb should not be used at all during pregnancy, nor by anyone with high blood pressure.

The part used is the rhizome (an underground stem, though some call it a root), harvested in fall once the top part of the plant has died away (Tip: Mark the position of the plants with canes in late summer/early fall, so that you can find them). Cut it into slices and dry in a single layer in an airy place with low humidity, turning the slices every day or two until they are ready to store in a labeled, airtight container kept in a cool dark place.

A standard infusion is made with a teaspoon of dried rhizome to 480ml (2 US cups, 16 fl oz) of boiling water, which is left to go cold before straining. The dose is 1-2 tsp 3-6 times a day.

You can also make a soothing eyebath by adding a teaspoon of boric acid (as a preservative) to the standard infusion, again allowed to go cold before straining. Use 1 teaspoon of this mixture to 120ml (a half US cup, 4 fl oz). Store the unused portion in the fridge in a labeled, sealed, dark-colored container.

Goldenseal was used by native Americans to treat sore eyes and digestive problems. Modern herbalists prescribe it for peptic ulcers and other digestive problems, nasal congestion and sinusitis, heavy and painful periods and excessive bleeding after childbirth. John Lust recommends powdering the root and using like snuff to treat nasal congestion and catarrh. The standard infusion can also be used externally to treat skin infections, sore and infected gums, and as a douche for BV.

As with all plants grown for medicinal use, goldenseal should be grown organically to avoid corrupting or evcn eliminating its active constituents. To find out more about growing organic herbs visit the Gardenzone.

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