HYSSOP
(Hyssopus officinalis)

Hyssopus can also refer to a genus of Hymenopteran insects of the family Eulophidae.

For the biblical plant usually translated as hyssop, see Ezov.

Hyssop is a name of Greek origin. The Hyssopos of Dioscorides was named from azob (a holy herb), because it was used for cleaning sacred places. It is alluded to in the Scriptures: 'Purge me with Hyssop, and I shall be clean.

Hyssop is known mainly as a cleansing herb. 

Hyssop (Hyssopus) is a genus of about 10-12 species of herbaceous or semi-woody plants in the family Lamiaceae, native from the east Mediterranean to central Asia.

They are aromatic, with erect branched stems up to 60 cm long covered with fine hairs at the tips. The leaves are narrow oblong, 2–5 cm long. 

The small blue flowers are borne on the upper part of the branches during summer. By far the best-known species is the Herb Hyssop (H. officinalis), widely cultivated outside its native area in the Mediterranean.

Note that anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum (also called blue giant hyssop) is a very different plant and not a close relation although both are in the mint  family. Anise hyssop is native to much of north-central and northern North America.

Herb Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Herb Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Herb Hyssop Hyssopus officinalis

Part usedL: leaves

Properties: diaphoretic, expectorant.cholagogue, stimulant, vulnerary,

What it affects: lungs, sinuses, and circulation.

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: steep 5-15 min.1-2 cups daily or frequently.

Tincture: drink1-2 tsp. frequently

Powder: 10 0# capsules frequently.

Purposes:

  Internally, hyssop is used in the treatment of lungs ailments, specially chronic catarrh. It is a valuable expectorant, promoting expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract and thus relieving congestion. It is used for coughs and colds, due to congestion.

Hyssop is used the same as sage, with which it is sometimes combined, to a gargle for a sore throat. It is used for colds, coughs, asthma, sluggish circulation, and weak digestion. It regulates blood pressure, dispels gas, and helps with breast and lung problems, nose and throat infections, mucous congestion in the intestines,asthma, scrofula, dropsy, and jaundice. A warm infusion mixed with equal parts of horehound, is good for asthma and heavy mucous conditions. The infusion of hyssop alone is helpful for gas and to promote sweating, when trying to break fever. A decoction will help relieve inflammations.It is used for epilepsy, gout, and weight problems.

Externally, hyssop is used for the healing of wounds, Poultices from fresh green hyssop help heal cuts. A fomentation made from the leaves will relieve muscular rheumatism and bruises. A decoction can be used as a wash for burns, bruises, skin irritations, and as a gargle for sore throat or chronic catarrh.

Warning:

Do not use extensively for extended periods.


Plant Description

Hyssop belongs to the mint family. Hyssop is an erect perennial herb with slender square stems. Hyssop can reach a height of 60 cm. The small pointed leaves are positioned opposite. Hyssop flowers from summer to autumn. The hyssop flowers are purple-blue in colour, but some cultivars have pink or white flowers. The hyssop flowers produce a strong scent, which attracts bees.The small blue flowers are borne on the upper part of the branches during summer. By far the best-known species is the Herb Hyssop (H. officinalis), widely cultivated outside its native area in the Mediterranean.

HORSETAIL
(Shavegrass, Scouring Rush)--- (Equisetum arvense)


The name "horsetail", often used for the entire group, arose because the branched species somewhat resemble a horse's tail. Similarly, the scientificname Equisetum derives from the Latin equus ("horse") + seta ("bristle").

"Candocks" of the Great Horsetail, showing whorls
of branches and the tiny dark-tipped leaves

"Candocks" of the Great Horsetaill , showing whorls
of branches and the tiny dark-tipped leaves

Water horsetail
The water horsetail (Equisetum fluviatile),
also known as the Swamp Horsetail,
is a perennial horsetail that commonly
 grows in dense colonies along freshwater
shorelines or in shallow water, growing in
 ponds, swamps, ditches, and other
 sluggish or still waters with mud bottoms.

Field horsetail

Field horsetail

Part used: Tops

Properties: Astringent,diuretic, lithotriptic, emmenagogue, galactagogue, nutritive, vulnerary.

What it affects: Kidneys, blood heart, and lungs

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: Steep 45 min. and take a mouthful 4 x a day or 1-2 cups daily.

Decoction: Simmer 5-15 min. and drink2 oz. 3-4 x a day

Tincture: Drink 5-30 drops 3-4 x a day.

Fluid extract: Drink5 drops 3-4 x a day.

Powder: drink 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 x a day.

Purposes:

Internally, shavegrass is a reliable diuretic and used for all urinary disorders. Drink a decoction of 1 cup 2-3 times a day or 2 tbsp every hour. The early settlers use shavegrass as a diuretic in kidney problems and dropsy. It is specific, not only for urine retention, but for internal bleeding. it stops bleeding by helping to coagulate the blood.  
Shavegrass can be used for skin and eye conditions, and is good for glandular swelling and discharge of pus.It clears fever, release nervous tension, and calms an overactive liver. It strengthens the heart and lungs and removes gravel from the bladder and kidneys. Fractured bones heal more quickly when shavegrass is taken. The Chinese use it as a healing eyewash. It can also be used for bed wetting, gallbladder diseases, skin diseases, edema, and spitting of blood. Used it for muscle cramps and spasms.It is used for bone diseases, including osteoporosis and rickets.


Early settlers used shavegrass to scour their pots and pans, hence its other name. Because it is ridged with silica, it is an outstanding scouring pad. Fine cabinetmakers use it for polishing wood finishes.


Externally, a fomentation can be placed on bleeding wounds, ulcers, and burns.


Note: Early spring shavegrass is the best to use.


Warning: Excessive use of shavegrass will irritate the kidneys and intestines; so only take it infrequently and in small doses for a short time. After 2-3 weeks, do not use it for a week. Then the treatment can be repeated. Continue use interferes with the absorption of thiamine (vitamin B1)


Plant Description:
Horsetail is a very primitive perennial plant with dark-green hollow, jointed or segmented stems 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick with no true leaves. Stems may be singular or have whorls of branches. Only single stems produce the cone-shaped spore producing body at the tip. Horsetails can be standing in water or in wet areas. Horsetail stems contain silicon crystals (i.e. sand) embedded in its tissue. This gritty texture gives it a common name of “scouring rush”.

HORSERADISH
(Cochlearia armoracia)


Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustard, wasabi, broccoli, and cabbages. The plant is probably native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, but is popular around the world today. It grows up to 1.5 meters (five feet) tall and is mainly cultivated for its large white, tapered root.


Both root and leaves were used as a medicine during the Middle Ages and the root was used as a condiment on meats in Germany, Scandinavia, and Britain.It was taken to North America during Colonial times.


Horseradish is divided into two general types, "common" and "Bohemian". Maliner Kren is a "Bohemian" type from which many local selections have been made. Improved Bohemian and Bohemian form the basis of the current industry. "Common" types have broad crinkled leaves and are considered to have superior quality, while "Bohemian" types have narrow smooth leaves, somewhat lower quality, but better disease resistance. Obtaining adequate quantities of quality planting stock of the right variety is a major concern in horseradish production!

Flowers of the horseradish plant

Roots of the horseradish plant

Roots of the horseradish plant

Foliage of the horseradish plant

Part used: root.

Properties: diaphoretic, ecpectorant, stomachic.

What it affects: sinuses, stomach, gallbladder, and urinary tract,

Preparation and amount:

Decoction: simmer 5-15 minutes and drink 6 oz. 1-2 x a day, it can prepare cold or take warm, 2-3 tbsp.3 x a day.

Purposes:

Internally, promotes stomach secretions. A syrup of horsetadish is excellent for sinus congestion and promotes digestion. Best for dropsy, urine retention, and helps the pancreas. Used for colds, coughs, asthma, arthritis, dropsy, hoarseness, sciatica, worms.

Externally, It is used for liver and spleen swellings.

Warning: Left in contact with the skin, it will cause blistering. Avoid contact with the eyes.

HOREHOUND
(Marrubium vulgare)
Horehound takes its name from Horus, the Egyptian god of sky and light. The Egyptian priests called this plant "Seed of Horus", or "Bull’s Blood" and "Eye of the Star."


Marrubium vulgare (White Horehound or Common Horehound) is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae, native to Europe, northern Africa and Asia.


Marrubium vulgare is also used as a natural grasshopper repellent in agriculture


Horehound is used to make hard lozenge candies that are considered by folk medicine to aid digestion, sooth sore throats, and relieve inflammation.

Horehound, Marrubium vulgare
Seed Pods

Horehound, Marrubium vulgare
Flowers

Horehound, Marrubium vulgare
Leafs

Horehound, Marrubium vulgare
Wild

Horehound, Marrubium vulgareFoliage of young plants

Part used: tops, leaves and seeds

Properties: Diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic.

What it affects: Lungs, chest, and stomach.

Preparation and amount: 

Infusion: steep 20 min and take 6 oz. at a time, frequently.

Tincture: take 20-60 drops 3 x a day.

Fluid extract: take 1/2- 1 tsp 3 x a day

Syrup: take 1/2-1 tsp. 3 x a day

Powder: take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60) 3 x a day.

Purposes:
Internally, horehound is specially useful as a remedy for coughing and bronchial problems. As an expectorant for bronchial catarrh, it can be taken as a tea or syrup. It is used for acute and chronic bronchitis, as well as coughs and hoarseness. It is useful in chronic sore throats and pulmonary problems. Use it in syrup form for children.


Horehound is also used for typhoid fever. It is said to restore the normal balance of secretions by various organs and glands. It is used for heart conditions, to calm heart action. It is also used for asthma, dyspepsia, hay fever, bloating, fevers, and iaundice. It boots the immune system. Taken warm, it is diuretic; taken cold, it makes a good stomach tonic.


Externally, the tea or the crushed leaves of horehound can be applied for temporary or persistent skin problems.

Plant Description

Horehound has square stems (often woody near the base) densely covered with white hairs with leaves opposite each other. Leaves are hairy above, very hairy to woolly underneath, rounded with a crinkled surface and sharply aromatic when crushed. It has small white flowers in dense clusters above the nodes (where the leaves join the stem) around the upper sections of the stems. Clusters of flowers dry to form brown burrs with small hooked spines. Each burr contains up to 4 small (1-2 mm long) spear-shaped seeds.

HOPS
(Humulus lupulus)


Hops are the female flower clusters (commonly called seed cones or strobiles), of a hop species, Humulus lupulus. They are used primarily as a flavoring and stability agent in beer, to which they impart a bitter, tangy flavor, though hops are also used for various purposes in other beverages and herbal medicine. 


Hops are a climbing plant. They are trained up strings or wires which support the plants and allow them significantly greater growth with the same sunlight profile. Energy that would have been required to build structural cells is also freed for crop growth.


Male and female flowers of the hop plant develop on separate plants (dioecious). Because viable seeds are undesirable for brewing beer, only female plants are grown in hopfields which prevents pollination; female plants are propagated vegetatively or male plants are culled if plants are grown from seeds

Hop cone in the hop yard

Mature hops growing in a hop yard
A superstructure of overhead wires supports
strings that in turn support bines

Hops are dried in an oast house before they are used in the brewing process. Hop resins are composed of two main acids: alpha and beta acids.

***Alpha acids have a mild antibiotic/bacteriostatic effect against Gram- positive bacteria, and favor the exclusive activity of brewing yeast in the fermentation of beer. Alpha acids are responsible for the bitter flavor in the beer.

***Beta acids do not isomerize during the boil of wort, and have a negligible effect on beer taste. Instead they contribute to beer's bitter aroma, and high beta acid hop varieties are often added at the end of the wort boil for aroma. Beta acids may oxidize into compounds that can give beer off-flavors of rotten vegetables or cooked corn.

Part used: strobiles.

Properties: Nervine, stomachic, anodyne, antibiotic, carminative, cholagogue, tonic.

What it affects: nerves, stomach, blood, liver, and gallbladder.

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: steep 5-15 min. and take 6 oz 3 x a day, hot ot cold preparation.

Tincture: take 15-30 drops(1/2-1 tsp.) 3 x a day. Fluid extract: drink 10-15 drops 3 x a day.

Powder: take 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3 x a day.

Purposes:

Hops is an excellent nervine and will produces sleep when insomnia is present. Internally, it has a very calming effect on the entire system. It is used for nervous diarrhea, insomnia, restlessness, headaches, shock, weak nerves, hyperactivity, nervousness, pain, stress, nervous stomach, and relieves anxiety.

But it also has other uses. Hops is used for coughs, fever, indigestion, jaundice, morning sickness, stomach tonic, throat, bronchial tubes, chest ailments, toothache, and ulcers. It will stimulate the appetite, dispel flatulence, and relieve intestine cramps. It is useful for cardiovascular disorders, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), toothaches, and ulcers. Cold tea before meals will increase digestion. The dry herb that is placed inside a pillow will induce sleep.

Externally, it is used for boils, bruises, earaches, inflammations, rheumatic pains, skin ailments, and ulcers.

Note: Hops lose their effectieness as internal medication rapidly when stored. 

HAWTHORN (HAWTHORNE)


Hawthorn (crataegus oxycantha) is a common deciduous tree or shrub growing primarily in North America, Europe, and western Asia. A member of the family Rosaceae, hawthorn's thorny branches sport beautiful pink or white flowers in the spring (hawthorn is also called "mayflower" or "maybush") which develop into small apple-like fruit that ripens bright red in the fall.


Hawthorn berries can be used in cooking much like other tree fruits (it smells like apples during the extracting process)


Hawthorn berries have been known as a natural heart tonic for centuries and has even been called "food for the heart."

Hawthorne Tree

Hawthorne Flower

  The hawthorn, the blossom of the tree commonly called the "red haw" or "wild haw" and scientifically designated as crataegus, is declared to be the floral emblem of Missouri, and the state department of agriculture shall recognize it as such and encourage its cultivation on account of the beauty of its flower, fruit and foliage.

Hawthorne Flower

Hawthorne Berry

Hawthorne Berries are rich in bioflavonoids, hawthorne berries have been used for 

thousands of years in China to treat indigestion

and is widely known as a diuretic.

The fruit of hawthorn, called haws, are edible, but are commonly made into jellies, jams, and syrups, used to make wine, or to add flavour to brandy, rather than eaten fresh. Botanically they are pomes, but they look similar to berries. A haw is small and oblong, similar in size and shape to a small olive or grape, and red when ripe. Haws develop in groups of 2-3 along smaller branches. They are pulpy and delicate in taste. In this species (C. monogyna) they have only one seed, but in other species of hawthorn there may be up to 5 seeds.

Part used: fruit

Properties: tonic, antispasmodic, astringent, diuretic, sedative.

What it affects: heart, circulation, nerves, and kidneys.

Preparation and amount: 

Infusion: steep 5-15 min and drink 1 cup 2-3 x a day.

Decoction: simmer 5-15 min. and drink 6 oz. 3 x a day.

Tincture: drink 15-30 drops (1/2- 1 tsp) 3 x a day.

Fluid extract: take 10-15 drops 3 x a day.

Powder: take 10 #0 capsules (60) grains) 3 x a day.

Purposes:

This the herb for the heart! Internally, hawthorn normalizes blood pressure by regulating heart action. It indicates the coronary blood vessels. Those are the ones that nourish the heart itself. Taking the herb over a period of time will generally lower blood pressure. (Keep i mind that a key factor in lowering blood pressure is drinking enough water every day!). But it normalizes blood pressure, helping to elevate low blood pressure. It helps rapid or arrhythmic heartbeat, inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis), arteriosclerosis, and nervous heart problems. It is good for heart muscles weakened by age. Taking it regularly strengthens the heart muscle. It helps prevent hardening of the arteries; it is excellent for feeble heart action, valvular insufficiency, and irregular pulse.

Hawthorn tea is also excellent for nervous conditions, particularly insomnia. A decoction od the berries is best for sore throats and acid conditions of the blood. American Indians used it to treat rheumatism. In China, it is used to cure digestion.

Plant Description


The hawthorn grows as either a shrub or a tree in England and continental Europe. It is widely grown as a hedge plant. Its trunk or stem have hard wood, smooth and ash-gray bark, and thorny branches. The small, shiny leaves are dark green on top, light bluish green underneath, and have three irregularly toothed lobes. The white flowers have round petals and grow in terminal corymbs during May and June. The fruit or haw is a 2 to 3 seeded, scarlet on the outside, yellowish and pulpy on the inside.

GRAVEL ROOT
(Quenn of the meadow)--(Eupatorium purpureum)


Native Americans have used gravel root to treat health problems for centuries. This herb was once instrumental in treating the disease typhus. In fact, the name "Joe Pye Weed" comes from this use by a Native American who used it to treat settlers in the New England area.

The leaves and flowering stems are harvested in
the summer before the buds open and are dried for
 later use.The roots are harvested in the autumn
 and dried for later use.

                                     Gravel root, c/s, wild crafted

Part used: root.
Properties: diuretic, lithotriptic, astringent, nervine, stimulant,
What it affects: kidneys, bladder, nerves and joints.


Preparation and amount:
Infusion (herb): steep5-15 min and take 1-2 cups daily.
Decoction (root): Simmer 6-15 min and drink1-2 oz. as needed up to 2 cups daily 
Tincture: drink 30-60 drops( 1/2-1 tsp) 3 x a day.
Fluid extract. drink 1/2-1 tsp. 3 x a day.
Powder: 5 #0 capsules (30 grains) 3 x a day.


Purposes:
Internally, gravel root is one  of the great remedies for gravel and stones in the kidneys and bladder. It is also used to treat the uric acid deposits in joints,which make them so painful. It also works to reduce water retention and deal with prostate disorders. A strong decoction is used: 1 oz. of the root boiled in a pint of water for one hour then take a quarter cup at a time as needed. When using a tincture, take 1 tsp. at a time.


In addition, gravel root is a nerve tonic and used for many female problems, alone or in combination. This includes dysmenorrhea, endometritis, leukorrhea, chronic uterine disease, labor pains and threatened abortions. Gravel roots is also used for cystitis, edema, gout, rheumatism, weak pelvic organs, gonorrhea, cystitis, bright's disease, bloody urine, and backache.


Plant Description: 

The stem is rigidly erect, usually about 5 or 6 feet high, though sometimes even reaching a height of 12 feet, and is stout, unbranched and either hollow, or furnished with an incomplete pith. It's purple flower above the joints and often covered with elongated spots and lines (this variety having been called maculata by Linnaeus). The leaves, oblong and pointed, rough above, but downy beneath, are placed in whorls of four or five on the stem (mostly in fives) and are nearly destitute of resinous dots. The margins are coarsely and unequally toothed, the leafstalks either short or merely represented by the contracted bases of the leaves. The flowers are purple, in a dense terminal inflorescence, the heads very numerous, five to ten flowered, contained in an eight-leaved, fresh-coloured involucre.

GOTU KOLA
(Centella Asiatica)


The plant has been referred to as "food for the brain".


Centella is used as a leafy green in Sri Lankan cuisine, where it is called Gotu Kola. In Sinhalese Gotu is translated into conical shape and Kola for leaf. It is most often prepared as Malluma (මැල්ලුම); a traditional accompaniment to Rice and curry, and goes especially well with vegetarian dishes such as dhal, and jackfruitor pumpkin curry. It is considered quite nutritious. In addition to finely chopped Gotu Kola Malluma almost always contains grated Coconut and may also contain finely chopped green Chilis, Chili powder, Turmeric powder and Lime (or Lemon) juice.


Kola Kenda is made with very well boiled red rice (with extra liquid), coconut milk and Gotu Kola which is liquidized. The porridge is accompanied with Jaggery  for sweetness. Centella leaves are also used in the sweet "pennywort drink."

In Indinesia, the leaves are used for sambai oi peuga-ga, an Aceh  type of salad, also mixed into asinan in Bogor.

In Vietnam and Thailand this leaf is used for preparing a drink or can be eaten in raw form in salads or Cold rolls.

 In Bangkok, vendors in the famous Jatujak Market sell it alongside coconut, roselle, crysanthemum, orange and other health drinks.

In Malay cuisine the leaves of this plant are used for ulam, a type of Malay salad.

It is one of the constituents of the Indian summer drink "thandaayyee".

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Centella leaves are also used in the sweet

 "pennywort drink."

Part used: tops.

Properties: nervine, tonic, alternative,antipyretic, diuretic.

What it affects: brain, nerves, kidneys, bladder, hearth, and circulation.

Preparation and amount:

Infusion: steep 5-15 min and drink 3 oz 3 x a day.

Fluid extract: drink 1/2-1 tsp. 3 x a day

powder: 5-10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3 x a day

Purposes:

Gotu kola is a very common medicinal plant throughout India and the tropical countries. Internally, it is one of the best herbs for the nerves and brain, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and loss of memory. It decreases fatigue and depression, and stimulates the central nervous system. To treat nervous disorders, gotu kola oil is applied externally over the entire body, including the scalp. This oil (called Brahmi oil) is an herbal extract in sesame oil. To make it, add enough sesame oil to cover the herb; cover and let stand 14 days; then squeeze out the oil.

Gotu kola has remarkable rejuvenating properties similar to those of fo-ti and ginseng. It neutralizes blood acids and cools the blood, thus making it of great value in all fevers and inflammations. It is both a blood purifier and diuretic. It is good for heart and liver function. It helps eliminate excess fluids. it promotes the healing of wounds and is good for varicose veins. It is used to treat rheumatism, blood diseases, connective tissue disorders, poor appetite, kidney stones, and sleep problems.


Plant Description:

The stems are slender, creeping stolons, green to reddish green in color, interconnecting one plant to another. It has long-stalked, green, reniform leaves with rounded apices which have smooth texture with palmately netted veins. The leaves are borne on pericladial petioles, around 2 cm. The rootstock consists of rhizomes, growing vertically down. They are creamish in color and covered with root hairs.

The flowers are pinkish to red in color, born in small, rounded bunches (umbels) near the surface of the soil. Each flower is partly enclosed in two green bracts. The hermaphrodite flowers are minute in size (less than 3 mm), with 5-6 corolla lobes per flower. Each flower bears five stamens and two styles. The fruit are densely reticulate, distinguishing it from species of Hydrocotyle which have smooth, ribbed or warty fruit.

The crop matures in three months and the whole plant, including the roots, is harvested manually.

GOLDENSEAL
(Hydrastis canadensis)


Goldenseal (Orange-root, Orangeroot; Hydrastis canadensis) is a perennial herb in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It may be distinguished by its thick, yellow knotted rootstock. The stem is purplish and hairy above ground and yellow below ground where it connects to the yellow rhizome. The plant bears two palmate, hairy leaves with 5–7 double-toothed lobes and single, small, inconspicuous flowers with greenish white stamens in the late spring. It bears a single berry like a large raspberry with 10–30 seeds in the summer.

The underground stems or roots of goldenseal
 are dried and used to make teas, liquid extracts,
 and solid extracts that may be made into
 tablets and capsules.

Goldenseal in flower

Part used: Rhizome.

Properties: Alternative, antibiotic, antiseptic, emmenagogue,stomachic, tonic, laxative.

What it affects: stomach, intestines, spleen, liver, eyes, all mucous membranes.

Preparation and amount:

Infusion:(powered root): Steep powder until cold and take 1-2 tsp 3-4 x a day.

Decoction: simmer 15-30 mins. and take 1-2 tsp 3-4 x a day

Tincture: drink 20-90 drops (1/3- 1 1/2 tsp) 3 x a day

Powder: drink 2-5 #0 capsules (10-30 grains) 3 x a day or 2-3 #00 capsule (5 is average dose) per day.

Purposes:

 Goldenseal is a powerful antiseptic (germ killer). Like echinacea, it is good for nearly every disease. Drink with any herb, it increases the tonic effects on the specific organs being treated. Add it when giving eyebright for the eyes, squaw vine for the female genito-urinary system, gotu kola for the brain, and cascara segrada for the lower bowel. Add it to salves for the skin,douches for vaginal infections, and reducing hemorrhoids. It especially acts on mucous membranes and can be used for all catarrhal conditions, including those in the intestines. Used at the first sign of possible symptoms, it can stop a cold, flu, or sore throat.

Internally, goldenseal is good for alcoholism, allergies, asthma, bad breath, bladder diseases, bronchitis, canker sores, chicken pox, colds, diabetes, eczema, hay fever, stomach ailments, heart weakness, hemorrhoids, herpes, indigestion, infections, inflammations, leukorrhea, liver problems, lymph congestion, measles, mammary and ovarian tumors, ulcers. It is a douche for vaginal infections. Used with cascara sagrada, it is a bowel tonic. As a retention enema, it will reduce swollen hemorrhoids. It is good for allergies, ulcers, and disorders affecting the bladder, prostate, stomach, or vaginal. Small doses will relieve nausea (morning sickness) during pregnancy, but see the warning below. Combine it with myrrh when treating ulcers of the stomach. For hemorrhoids and prostate problems, combine 2 parts goldenseal and 1 part wild alum. It increases the effectiveness of insulin and strengthens the immune system. It reduces blood pressure, stimulates the central nervous system, regulates the menses, and decreases uterine bleeding.

Externally, goldenseal is used for burns, canker sores, eye inflammations, herpes sores, leukorrhea, mouth sores,ringworm, skin inflammation, tonsillitis, and wounds. Used it with a toothbrush or as antiseptic mouth wash for bleeding gum or gum infections. Use it as gargle for tonsillitis and other problems. Goldenseal can be used on open sores, inflammations, eczema, ringworm or itchy skin conditions. it is specific for all kinds of mucous membrane problems. Snuffed up the nose, the powder is good for nasal congestion or catarrh. for  ringworm, wash it with the tea, then sprinkle powdered root on it. For a soothing eyewash, mix it with boric acid (1 tsp. powdered root and 1 tsp. boric acid to 1 pint boiling- hot water); stir; let cool; and pour off the liquid. Add 1 tsp of the liquid to 1/2 cup of water for the eyewash.

Warning/; Goldenseal is a powerful alkaloid and should not be overused. Two or three #00 capsules per day are safe and adequate for most conditions. Normally, do not use it more than week at a time, then switch to echinacea or another antibiotic herb (myrrh, chaparral, pau d' arco). Excessive used diminishes vitamin B absorption, by killing certain intestinal bacteria. Over a prolonged period, used not more than2-3 #00 capsules in a day. Do not used large amounts during hypoglycemia. Those with high blood pressure or insomnia should mot use it. Eating the fresh plant produces ulcerations and inflammation of mucous tissue.

Because large doses of goldenseal contract the uterus, women who have a tendency to miscarry should avoid the use of it unless, for morning sickness, it is used in this formula: Less than 1/4 tsp. goldenseal, plus 1/4 tsp. cloves; the powders taken in gelatin capsules are not to exceed 2 capsules per day and taken with spearmint tea.

Plant Description:

It is a small perennial herb, with a horizontal, irregularly knotted, bright yellow root-stock, from 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch thick, giving off slender roots below and marked with scars of the flower-stems of previous years. The flowering stem, which is pushed up early in the spring, is from 6 to 12 inches high, erect, cylindrical, hairy, with downward-pointing hairs, especially above, surrounded at the base with a few short, brown scales. It bears two prominently-veined and wrinkled, dark green, hairy leaves, placed high up, the lower one stalked, the upper stalkless, roundish in outline, but palmately cut into 5 to 7 lobes, the margins irregularly and finely toothed. There is one solitary radical leaf on a long foot-stalk, similar in form to the stem leaves, but larger, when full-grown being about 9 inches across.