Nature's Way Goldenseal Root - 50 Caps

Cautions & Warnings: Avoid taking with alcohol, other medications, and/or natural health products with sedative properties. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have a kidney disorder or blood pressure problems. Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Contraindications: Do not use this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children. Safety sealed with inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing. Store at room temperature. Keep tightly closed. Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.

GOLDENSEAL is most commonly known as a partner to echinacea for the treatment of common cold and respiratory infections. It was originally used by native North Americans for a variety if infectious complaints. Berberine is the component of goldenseal that makes it an infection fighter. It has anti-microbial activity against viruses, fungi, parasites and bacteria. Hydrastine is the component of goldenseal that relaxes smooth muscles.

This is helpful to relieve coughs, intestinal and stomach spasms and decrease blood pressure. Additionally goldenseal decreases secretions and inflammation in mucus membranes. Thus goldenseal can be used for gastritis, inflammatory bowel problems, cystitis (bladder inflammation), sinusitis, bronchitis and rhinitis (nasal inflammation). There are some claims that goldenseal can mask urine drug screening but there is no clinical study to prove this effect.

COLD & FLU

Colds and flus are a part of everyday life. They are usually caused by viruses, although if left untreated, bacteria can move in and cause infection as well. Colds and flus can be treated effectively with natural therapies that both kill the infecting organism and support the immune system. Lingering or recurrent infection is a signal of an immune system that is overwhelmed. Natural therapies are also helpful in these cases, to restore disease resistance.

Cold symptoms include congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dry cough, swollen glands and a low fever. As the cold progresses discharges may increase and become green or yellow in colour. The duration of a cold is usually 7 10 days. Flus usually have the same symptoms as a cold but are more severe. High fever, chills and body ache also occur. Flus can also attack the gastrointestinal system and cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The duration of a flu is usually one week, but full recovery can take longer.

Conventional treatment involves the use of antibiotics if the cold has become bacterial. This usually takes care of the current infection. However, the body becomes susceptible to subsequent infections if the friendly bacteria are not replaced. The overuse of antibiotics has also lead to antibiotic resistant strains of various organisms. Individuals can help to minimize resistance by using antibiotics sparingly and always taking recommendations until they are finished.

Dietary approaches to colds and flus are as follows. Increase fluid intake to decrease the viscosity of mucous secretions. A diet high in raw fruits and vegetables provides a good source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Onions and garlic are good sources of substances that make up anti-inflammatory compounds and help to kill microbes. Flaxseed and fish oils contain essential fatty acids that are anti-inflammatory. Avoid animal products because they contain inflammatory precursors. Avoid dairy products, processed foods, white flour and sugar products all of which increase mucous production.