How Do You Use Goldenseal As An Antiseptic?
Goldenseal, a member of the buttercup family, has been used by natural healers for everything from digestive problems to cancer. Its usefulness in many of these areas is not confirmed by modern medicine but it is marketed and used today in combination with Echinacea in herbal remedies to protect against the common cold and as an antiseptic for use in and around the mouth. Although no medical benefits have been confirmed for the herb, certain alkaloids are being studied for their effectiveness in treating diabetes and AIDS. These alkaloids are what make goldenseal, also known as yellow root, useful as an astringent and antiseptic. Find prepared goldenseal or yellow root labeled for use as an antiseptic or astringent. Look in a natural foods store or online but be sure to buy from a reputable source since herbal remedies are not regulated for potency and purity. The root of the goldenseal plant is ground into a powder and the herb is available in extract, tincture or powder form to be re