What is a goldenseal?
Goldenseal is a root known for its professed medicinal properties, and is among the top selling herbal properties in the United States. It can be found in eardrops, dietary supplements, allergy remedies, cold/flu remedies, digestive aids and laxatives. Often, Goldenseal is found in combination with Echinacea when it comes to treating upper respiratory infections. The root is thought to boost the effects of Echinacea. Below is a look at how the goldenseal root can help fight a cold.
Benefits of goldenseal
Goldenseal either improves or affects the health of the mucus and sinus membranes. It has a tendency of encouraging the correct drainage of the sinus cavities, thus preventing the severity and susceptibility of flu, colds, fevers and sore throats. The root
does so by preventing mucous membrane inflammation and infection, preventing sinus infection and inducing proper mucous flow. Through immediately treating the nasal and sinus cavities upon any signs of flu or cold-like symptoms, an individual can hopefully shorten or prevent the duration and severity of colds and flu. One can also prevent the occurrence of a sinus infection.
Where to find goldenseal?
The herb can be bought in powdered form that has already been capsulated either in a health food establishment or via the internet. An individual can also buy it in bulk form separately with gelatin capsules and then capsulate it as he/she desires. It is quite a bitter herb and this is why the capsules are necessary. In case of an emergency and there are no capsules, a small amount of the herb can be mixed with a tablespoon of ice cream. One can also mix Goldenseal powder with water to make a paste, and then put up the nose with Q-tips.
Dosage in using goldenseal
When an individual feels like about to suffer from a cold, he or she can take a Goldenseal capsule. One can take between one and three capsules per day, depending on the perceived severity of the flu. Over time, a person will be able to judge proper dosage depending on how they feel. The quicker an individual begins the dosage, the more effective it will seem. However, Goldenseal may not be effective once the flu has taken hold, although it is likely to moderate it. Since it is quite a strong herb, it
is not advisable for a person to continue taking it after the flu or cold has passed.
When a person is fighting a heavy cold infection and is taking about 3 large capsules per day, he or she can feel the Goldenseal quite strongly. Overall, that feeling is much better than how someone feels when suffering from a cold. Often, the herb knocks down the cold right away, but in some cases, it can take about a week or two.
Precaution if using goldenseal
Goldenseal should not be taken by pregnant women, individuals with high blood pressure or those taking medication for controlling blood pressure. In addition, it is not recommended for those with a blood clotting or bleeding disorder, or those under medication for such disorders. The herb should not be used for more than two weeks since it can reduce the absorption of B vitamins.
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