Hydrastis canadensis

Hydrastis canadensis
Family:Hydrastis canadensis; Antibacterial; Antiperiodic; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Astringent; Cholagogue; Diuretic; Laxative; Sedative; Stomachic; Tonic.
Common name:Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a traditional medicine of the North American Indians and is still widely used in Western herbal medicine. In the Nineteenth century it acquired a reputation as a heal-all and was grossly over-collected from the wild and has become rare in the east of its range. It is now being cultivated on a small scale. It is especially valued in treating disorders of the digestive system and mucous membranes and is also extremely useful in the treatment of habitual constipation. See also the notes above on cultivation needs. The root is the active part of the plant it is harvested in the autumn after the plant has died down and is dried for later use. It is said to be antiperiodic antiseptic astringent cholagogue diuretic laxative stomachic tonic. It is used mainly in the treatment of disorders affecting the ears eyes throat nose stomach intestines and vagina. The root contains the alkaloids hydrastine berberine and canadine. Berberine is antibacterial (effective against broad-spectrum bacteria and protozoa) it increases bile secretions acts as an anticonvulsant a mild sedative and lowers blood pressure. Use of this plant destroys beneficial intestinal organisms as well as pathogens so it should only be prescribed for limited periods (a maximum of three months). The plant should be used with caution and not at all during pregnancy or by people with high blood pressure. An infusion of the root is used externally as a wash for skin diseases vaginal infections gum diseases etc.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 03:41 []