Genus: Hydrastis
Common Name: Goldenseal. Yellow root. Ground Raspberry. Indian turmeric.
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
The perennial herb Goldenseal is native to the open woodlands and shaded ravines of the Ohio River Valley region of the eastern United States and the deciduous forests of southeastern Canada. Finely haired stems grow from yellow knotted rhizomes and can reach heights of 6 – 12 inches. Each 1-3 leaved stem ends in a single flower with numerous white pistils which produces a single raspberry like fruit when fertilized. Centuries ago, Native American tribes used Goldenseal rhizomes as a dye and medicinally for inflammation, digestive disorders, as an eyewash, and for nasal catarrh. During the mid 1800s this herb was widely used for various ailments and subsequently was overharvested. Goldenseal is now considered an endangered species of wild flora.
As a homeopathic remedy, Hydrastis is often used when there are upper respiratory issues, including marked post-nasal discharge or gastrointestinal problems. It has an affinity for the mucus membranes, stomach, and intestines. Thick, yellow, stringy discharges are a prominent keynote of the remedy. This remedy has also been used for malignant ailments. According to the Australian homeopath Jill Turland, Hydrastis can have a profound affect on unresolved trauma that has been stored as muscle tension in the lower back. Often there has been an injury to the back, or damage due to the use of drugs, including antibiotics. A person who could benefit from homeopathic Hydrastis has a strong sense of responsibility for others with a desire to “carry their load” or that “It’s up to me to fix” the problem.
Keynotes:
- Weak memory, forgetful, difficult concentration, aversion to reading or writing
- Over-responsibility
- Discouragement
- Otitis media with discharge, inflammation of the Eustachian tubes
- Acute and chronic inflammation of the mucus membranes
- Increased mucus discharge, thick yellow stringy discharges
- Post nasal discharge
- Lump of mucus in the throat, disposition to hawk or clear throat, slimy coated tongue
- Acute colds with sneezing, watery eyes, runny nose, cough
- Hay fever
- Bronchitis with thick expectoration
- Sluggish digestion, defective assimilation, faint sinking empty feeling in stomach, nausea
- Gastric ulcers with burning pains
- Ileocecal pain
- Low back pain, lumbar spine shifts forward at L4/L5, weakness, stiffness in lumbar region
- Restlessness at night
- Chilly, worse cold air
Information contained on this site is for educational purposes only and should not be used to prescribe, diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness. Any information provided is not intended to replace medical advice offered by a physician. If you desire or need such advice, you should consult a professional healthcare provider.