This plant has palm-shaped leaves and has a single white flower that is in the center. Once it matures it turns into a red berry surrounded by seeds, it is known for its bitter taste but has been used as a home remedy.
When I was growing up this was the one staple in our home, as soon as a sore throat or cold would break out, so would this tea, and while I was not fond of the taste, I have to admit, that this remedy worked very well to nip a cold or flu in the bud. The active ingredient in goldenseal that appears to be so effective is Berberine, this is a powerful alkaloid and has been recognized for activating an enzyme called AMPK, which helps to regulate your metabolism. The benefits of this herb include:
- Reducing blood sugar: Berberine helps to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- Weight loss: Berberine helps to improve the function of hormones that decrease fat storage, such as insulin and leptin.
- Decrease risk of heart disease: Berberine lowers the bad cholesterol and enhances the function of the good cholesterol.
Goldenseal is well respected for its effectiveness and used as an anti-inflammatory for those who have arthritis. It is also a boost to those who may suffer from depression, and it is effective with liver ailments.
Many people combine goldenseal with another potent herb called echinacea, the two herbs, when used together, be beneficial for those who suffer from illnesses that affect the immune system.
While no one herb holds the ultimate cure for most ailments that plague us today, medicine is beginning to recognize what people from times past have always known, that many of these plants possess great benefit to those who utilize them.
