While millions of Canadians suffer with sinus problems, it’s possible that many dislike the idea of taking over the counter or prescription medications to deal with their conditions. That is understandable. Most people want the best for their bodies and are desirous of caring for themselves in the most natural, wholesome ways.
If you are looking for an alternative to over the counter or prescription medications created to relieve sinusitis, consider goldenseal.
Do you know that there is a natural, alternative method of relieving sinusitis?
It’s true, and the best part is, the alternative is literally right in Canada’s backyard. Goldenseal (hydrastis canadensis) is a plant that grows “in the deep woods of Canada and the eastern half of the United States.”
“Goldenseal (reportedly) has the ability to clear up congested related conditions, sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis, and the like.”
Goldenseal is also reported to be beneficial for respiratory tract infections, colds, eye infections, “infectious diarrhea,” vaginitis, and can be applied to canker sores and wounds. Goldenseal can be used as a “mouthwash for sore gums, mouth, and throat.”
Goldenseal has a rich history and was first used by the Native Americans for inflammation-related conditions.
Native Americans were the first to take advantage of the medicinal properties of goldenseal. This people group used goldenseal in different ways, including drinking goldenseal tea.
“The Native Americans knew that drinking goldenseal tea reduced all sorts of inflammation, even those due to mechanical injury, and the colonial medical community quickly took note and acted accordingly.”
By 1760, goldenseal had been “introduced into England.”
How should goldenseal be used?
There are different ways to use goldenseal. There is no current dose recommendation, so you must be cautious in following the directions that come with your goldenseal preparation. Goldenseal dosage may be a good thing to discuss with a doctor or pharmacist.
Consider a word of caution about using goldenseal.
Check with your doctor before you begin taking any herbs/botanicals. This is important, especially if you take other medications. “Goldenseal may cause changes in the way the body processes drugs, and could potentially alter the effects of many drugs.” To read more about goldenseal and specific drug interactions, visit http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/943.html#DrugInteractions.
If you are breastfeeding or are pregnant, do not use goldenseal. Infants and “young children” should also not use goldenseal. To read more about the potential side effects of goldenseal, see http://nccam.nih.gov/health/goldenseal.
Sources:
http://www.planetbotanic.ca/fact_sheets/goldenseal_fs.htm
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/goldenseal
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/943.html#DrugInteractions
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/943.html
Image made available by Aardvark of Fnord on Flickr through Creative Commons License.
*Please note: All research for this article is compiled from direct and third party sources. Mention of programs, organizations and companies does not imply support of The National Benefit Authority. Pictures are for creative purposes only; they are not intended to sell or promote products for the NBA and belong to the accredited individual, organization or company.
Let’s Talk About It
Have you ever experienced an increase of health as a result of using herbal or botanical products?
To some, natural medicine is taboo. Do you think there are any advantages of using alternative medicine in place of western medicine? What advantages or disadvantages to this do you see?
Whether an herbal remedy is better than prescription medicine depends largely on the condition being treated. Sure, use goldenseal instead of pseudoephedrine if you want. Having a stuffed up nose isn’t going to kill you if you don’t take a drug for it.
However, I’ve had way too many people try to push “natural” remedies on me for my diabetes, which shows that either they are ignorant about what diabetes is, or they know fully well what it is and just don’t care because they’re out to make a buck.
The fact is that no herb or “natural” remedy is going to make my body start to produce the insulin that it stopped producing nearly 40 years ago. No herb, no diet (whether raw food or otherwise), no magic water from a sacred spring in the mountains of Nepal, NOTHING is going to treat my diabetes other than insulin. That is a fact.
In another instance, a friend of mine insisted on treating her stubborn cough by taking herbal remedies without consulting her doctor first. She wound up in the hospital with pneumonia. So please, people, take your herbal remedies if you want, but CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR!