Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter
March 2015
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well.
QUESTION: Tell me about golden seal. Why do they keep it behind the counter in the health food store?
ANSWER: Let me start by saying golden seal has a bad reputation, which in actuality is a very good reputation. Golden seal is an herb that is a very powerful blood purifier (also called an alterative). A blood purifier literally removes impurities from the blood and organs, probably due to its ability to strengthen the lymphatic system and the liver. So what could be bad about this reputation? Unfortunately this herb has been used before drug tests by some individuals who use drugs. It is so powerful a blood purifier that it removes traces from the blood stream. Enough said about that.
I would like to tell you from a personal viewpoint what golden seal has done for me. I started taking herbal medicine for my heart 23 years ago. The herbal medicine for my heart was amazing and I felt like a new person right away. I decided to tackle my sinus problems shortly after that time. I had severe respiratory allergies. I took desensitization shots, usually every three days, for 7 years. It didn’t get any better. My nose had been broken several times and they believed surgery would fix the sinus problems. It didn’t. Allergy testing shots indicated I was allergic to 47 out of 48 substances tested. I’m sure Starkist will be glad to hear that tuna was my only benign choice. I had been on antibiotics for sinus infections for years. For two years solid, there was no relief from the infection at all. I was sometimes taking as many as three antibiotics at one time, but I had become almost completely immune to them. Then my herbalist recommended some herbal antihistamines and golden seal. Within three days I no longer had a sinus infection and have only had one sinus infection in the last 23 years. Phenomenal. My allergies are not gone, but are so much better than they were. I alternate golden seal and Echinacea since golden seal is not recommended for long-term use.
Scientific studies show that hydrastine, one of the compounds in golden seal, strengthens the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the automatic functions of the body. Hydrastine helps tone the mucus membranes, which explains why it is so helpful for inflammation in the sinuses, eyes, and ears. Berberine is another compound in golden seal that has been shown in clinical trials to have a strong antibiotic and antiviral effect.
Golden seal has been used for centuries for yeast infections and wounds and sores of all sorts, including herpes simplex and other rashes. I consider golden seal to be “the big gun in the arsenal” of the herbal world. I love it. It has helped so many of my clients for a wide variety of health challenges. It’s always great to have on hand for any inflammation or infection that pops up.
Hot Tip: Golden seal also appears to make insulin more powerful, so if you have hypoglycemia, your blood sugar can go lower than is recommended. Golden seal should also not be used during pregnancy or nursing.
Next month…The return of Co-Q10
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs and co-authored True Health Series:Energy. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her first book was published. She is also a retired professor, specializing in courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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