Goldenseal’s dried root has become more popular over the years due to its special attributes as an herb. Mostly, it has been used over the years for the treatment of common disorders such as Urinary Tract Infections and menstrual irregularities in women. It has also been effective for the treatment of common colds and upper respiratory tract infections, as well as hay fever and stuffy nose. Some digestive disorders like gastritis, diarrhea, hemmorrhoids, and peptic ulcers can be treated with the said herb too. The variety of conditions that it can address to, makes the Goldenseal a powerful herb.
Goldenseal is commonly found in the deep woods from Vermont to Arkansas. Its name was derived from the appearance of its stem when broken, which resembles a gold wax letter seal. Berberine is a chemical compound found in the herb that possesses effects over bacteria and fungi. An example of which is its preventive action to the bacteria E. Coli in attaching to the Urinary Tract walls which prevents the occurrence of Urinary Tract Infections. According to various researches, Goldenseal also contains properties that lower blood pressure and improve irregular heartbeats. It is beneficial for those suffering from Chronic Hypertension and Cardiac Insufficiencies. Also, berberine shows significant effects in lowering Low Density Lipoprotein or bad cholesterol and normalizing blood sugar levels.
Despite its beneficial effects to treat certain diseases, precautions have been imposed to children especially neonates because of the risk of developing kernicterus. This means that bilirubin levels in the blood of the child become excessively high that it deposits in the childs brain. This can lead to speech defects, growth stunting, and severe mental retardation. It must be taken with caution for pregnant women because its effects are yet to be established for the safety of both the mother and her child.
Gynecomastia or Man Boobs is a condition that affects the balance of testosterone and estrogen in a man’s body. When the testosterone levels get too low, men would start developing female physical features, which includes breast enlargement. The severity is dependent upon the degree of imbalance among the hormones. The greater the imbalance, the more significant the manifestation would be. This often leads to altered body image that subsequently decreases self-confidence among the affected individuals. Hormonal therapies are considered to prevent and cure the condition. However, some resort to the use of alternative medicine.
For the record, Goldenseal has not been proven effective for the treatment of Gynecomastia or Man Boobs. Moreover, it has not been proven to affect the imbalance of the hormones which cause the condition. Nonetheless, the effects of Goldenseal remains great for those affected by the conditions stated above. For those who are suffering from Man Boobs or Gynecomastia, other treatment options are to be considered. Proper assessment and laboratory work-up must be done to ensure that the imbalance of the hormones will be corrected. With the help of a professional, this disorder can be addressed promptly without having to worry for disturbances in body image.
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