Latin name: Hydrastis Canadensis
Common name(s): Golden Thread, Indian Dye, Orange Root, Seal-all, Yellow Root
Golden Seal was used by the Cherokee Indians who lived in Ohio found and used Golden seal as a medicine to treat arrow wounds and ulcers. They found that Golden Seal grew plentifully in the woods of Ohio. Golden Seal is excellent for treatment of congestion, chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract, catarrhal infection of the nostrils, enteritis and gastritis.
Golden Seal is useful in controlling uterine hemorrhage according to the ‘British Pharmaceutical Codex of 1934′. Golden Seal is useful in the treatment of female problems such as inflammation of the uterus, urethra and vagina. It can be used as an eye wash to reduce inflammation of the eye but be sure to strain it really well through some cheese cloth because golden seal is extremely gritty.
Golden Seal is a deciduous perennial that has yellow rhizome and roots. It has deeply toothed leaves. In the spring it blooms clusters of tiny flowers with greenish-white stamens which are then followed by inedible red fruits. The parts of the Golden Seal plant that are used in herbal healing are the roots.
Golden Seal is an alterative, antacid, anti-bilious, anti-bacterial, anti-biotic, anti-catarrhal, anti-periodic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-syphilitic, aperitive, astringent, bitter, cholagogue, depurant, diuretic, emmenagogue, hemostatic, hepatic, laxative, nervine, ophthalmic, pectoral, prophylactic, immune-stimulant, stomachic and tonic.
Golden Seal is a fetid bitter alterative herb. Golden Seal can be used to reduce inflammation, stimulate bile flow and it is useful against bacterial and amebic infections. It soothes peptic ulcers, ear inflammation and eczema. Golden Seal is helps stop the pitting of skin due to smallpox and chicken pox. It also cures ringworm accoding to ‘Herb Walk Medicinal Guide’ by Mary Ann Chai.
Golden seal strengthens the immune system because of its anti-bacterial and anti-biotic properties it contains. Golden Seal clean mucous membranes in the human body and it promotes good heart and respiratory functions. It is helpful in the relief of anxiety and stress. It can be used to prevent morning sickness, increase the appetite and for urinary problems.
The early pioneers and settlers found that the Indians used Golden Seal to treat rashes, watering eyes and wounds so they followed by example. They also used golden seal to treat mouth ulcers by chewing on it. It is extremely effective in the treatment of infections and worms.
Golden Seal can be used to treat any of the following ailments:
Allergies, asthma, bad breath, bladder infections and problems, bowel problems, Bright’s disease, bronchitis, burns, chicken pox, cholera, circulation, colds, colitis, colon inflammation, conjunctivitis, constipation, contagious diseases, coughs, diarrhea, digestive disorders, diphtheria, dyspepsia, earaches, eczema, excessive menstruation, eye infections, fevers, flu, gallbladders problems, gastritis, gonorrhea, gum disease, hay fever, heart trouble, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, herpes, hoarseness, infections, inflammation, insulin deficiency, internal bleeding, intestinal problems, itching, kidneys, liver problems, measles, morning sickness, mouth sores, mucous membranes, nasal passages, nausea, nervous disorders, nose bleeds, obesity, pancreas, poison oak and ivy, prostate glands, psoriasis, ringworm, scarlet fever, sinus congestion, skin disorders, small pox, sore throat, spleen, stomach problems, swollen glands, syphilis, thyroid, tonsillitis, typhoid fever, ulcerated skin, vaginitis, venereal disease and wounds.