Today Goldenseal or yellow/orange root is one of the well known herbs in the market. Goldenseal is a multi-purpose remedy because of having many different medical properties. It is used in different health problems. Besides working as a topical agent, it is also used internally to support the digestive system.

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Historically the Native American people used this herb for the treatment of digestive disorders such as diarrhea and liver problems. They also used this herb during the skin problems & eye irritation.

American Indian has indicated the usage of goldenseal. The roots of goldenseal are used by Cherokee to wash the local areas of wound as well to improve appetite.

In the end of 1700s, it was commonly used to improve the appetite by stimulating the digestion and to treat the skin and eye inflammations. It was also used during the mucous membrane inflammation of digestive tract.

Ellingwood's American Materia Medica described the usage of goldenseal in the functional problems of stomach like inflammation of stomach & other digestive problems such as liver disorders and long standing constipation.

It is very popular in the early 1800 because Herbalist Samuel Thompson supposed that goldenseal was mysterious herb for the treatment of many conditions.

Clinical studies on the component of the goldenseal indicated that this compound can be favorable for certain infections like those that cause some types of diarrhea as well as in the eye infection. Since this compound is found in small amount so it is difficult to proof its effectiveness in goldenseal. Other study is conducted to recognize the mechanism by which this compound can act against tumors.

Goldenseal shows strong activity against the harmful micro organisms like bacteria and fungi, so it is used in all types of infection. It shows its activity in supporting the healthy functions of digestive system by killing the internal harmful organisms. It is used for the mucous membrane infections of digestive tract including mouth, intestines & stomach. It is also used for the treatment of the bladder & urinary tract infection. Goldenseal can be used topically during the fungal infections of skin. It is used for the treatment of ringworm, eczema & insect biting because of having medicinal properties. Goldenseal is used in the healing of wound when applied topically. It is also used in the cold and flu. Now a day, it is used for the treatments of respiratory tract problems such as infections and inflammation of lung and throat. It is also used in other body infections such as eye infections, diarrhea that is caused by micro organisms and in the soreness or infections of vagina that is a part of female reproductive system. Rarely, it has also been used in the treatment of cancer. It is used as mouths wash in the soreness of gums, mouth as well as applied on wounds.

One of the components of the goldenseal has been reported to cause uterine contraction which increases the risk of premature labor or miscarriage so it should not be used by pregnant women. It should not be taken by the breast feeding female, since it causes life threatening liver disease in the feeding infant. People having high blood pressure should not take goldenseal. Individuals who are suffering from heart problems can use this herb only under the direction of health expert.

Although the side effects are uncommon but some of the conditions may also be appear such as feels to vomit out, irritation of mouth & throat, increased anxiety & some other digestive problems.