Echinacea and Goldenseal: A Complete Guide to the Medicinal Herbs

Introduction to Echinacea and Goldenseal

Echinacea and goldenseal are two popular herbal remedies that have been used for centuries in natural medicine. They contain beneficial compounds and have many touted health benefits, which has led to their widespread popularity.

In this in-depth guide to echinacea and goldenseal, youll discover everything you need to know about these medicinal plants. Well dive into their history, health benefits, safety information, how to use them, and how they differ.

What is Echinacea?

Echinacea refers to a group of flowering plants in the daisy family. The most common species used in herbal medicine are E. purpurea, E. angustifolia, and E. pallida.

Native Americans discovered the many uses of echinacea more than 400 years ago. They used the root, leaves, flowers, and seeds from these brightly colored coneflowers to treat various ailments.

Today, echinacea remains one of the most popular herbs due to its potential immune-boosting effects. Its believed to work by stimulating the bodys immune response to illnesses like the common cold or flu.

Benefits and Uses of Echinacea

Some of echinacea's potential benefits include:

• Shortening the length of the common cold
• Alleviating cold and flu symptoms like sore throat, cough, fever, and congestion
• Reducing recurrent ear infections in children
• Soothing skin irritations like burns, eczema, skin wounds, psoriasis, or bug bites
• Decreasing inflammation and pain
• Controlling blood sugar in diabetics
• Fighting bacteria and fungi
• Acting as an antioxidant against disease-causing free radicals

What is Goldenseal?

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is another perennial flowering herb native to eastern North America. It has been used for centuries by Native Americans and American settlers to treat various health conditions.

The healing compound found in the goldenseal root is berberine. This bright yellow alkaloid compound is believed to provide most of goldenseal's therapeutic effects.

Today, goldenseal remains popular due to its antimicrobial properties. Its often used similarly to echinacea to soothe colds, allergies, flu, and respiratory issues like bronchitis.

Benefits and Uses of Goldenseal

Some of goldenseal's key benefits and uses include:

• Fighting infections from bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses
• Soothing gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, ulcers, and hemorrhoids
• Reducing nasal congestion and excess mucus
• Decreasing inflammation of the eyes, ears, throat, and nasal passages
• Boosting immunity
• Limiting tumor and cancer cell growth
• Shortening flu and cold duration
• Alleviating allergies, hay fever, and sinusitis

How Do Echinacea and Goldenseal Differ?

While echinacea and goldenseal share some similar health benefits and uses, they differ in a few key ways:

Parts Used

Echinacea extracts utilize the entire above-ground plant, especially the flowers, leaves, and roots. Meanwhile, goldenseal uses primarily the rhizomes (underground stems) and roots of the plant.

Active Compounds

The key active compounds differ between the two herbs. Echinacea contains polysaccharides, alkylamides, polyacetylenes, vitamin C, and other antioxidants. Goldenseal contains isoquinoline alkaloids like berberine and hydrastine as its main bioactive components.

Mechanisms

They seem to work through separate biological mechanisms to achieve similar effects. Echinacea serves as an immunomodulator that activates the bodys nonspecific immune response. Goldenseal acts as a powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, primarily due to the berberine alkaloid.

Taste

The florally, earthy taste of echinacea differs greatly from the intensely bitter taste of goldenseal root extracts. While neither tastes particularly good, most people find goldenseal far more unpalatable.

Side Effects

Potential side effects also differ somewhat between the herbs. Echinacea most commonly causes digestive upset and rashes. Goldenseal side effects may include nausea, breathing difficulties, paralysis, eye/mouth irritation, and liver damage.

Legality

There are no regulations restricting echinacea use, sale, or harvest. However, overharvesting has led to shortages and higher prices. Goldenseal became endangered decades ago, leading to legal protection and cultivation restrictions in the United States and Canada.

How to Take Echinacea and Goldenseal

Forms

Echinacea and goldenseal supplements are available in various forms:

• Dried root or herb: Used to make teas, tinctures, extracts, and capsules
• Liquid extract/tincture: Concentrated liquid using alcohol or glycerine extraction
• Capsules/tablets: Contain dried, powdered herb
• Ointments/creams: Combine the extracts with skin-soothing compounds
• Tea: Made by steeping parts of the herb in hot water
• Juice/tea blends: Mix herb extract into fruit/veg juices or teas

Dosage

Always follow dosage guidelines on any supplements. General dosage recommendations for adults include:

• Echinacea - 300-500 mg of dried extract up to 3 times per day for no longer than 8 continuous weeks.
• Goldenseal - 250-500 mg dried root extract 1-3 times per day for short-term use only.

Note that echinacea is safe for long-term use but goldenseal is not due to toxicity concerns.

Administration Tips

• Take echinacea at first signs of illness to boost immune response.
• Drink plenty of water when taking either herb.
• Take goldenseal supplements with food to minimize stomach upset.
• Use dried herbs to make tea, mixing them with more palatable ingredients like honey, lemon, or peppermint may improve flavor.
• Apply ointments topically to soothe skin irritation.
• Refrigerate liquid extracts after opening to maintain potency.

Are Echinacea and Goldenseal Safe?

Echinacea Safety

When used properly, echinacea is very safe for most people. Side effects are rare but may include:

• Upset stomach
• Unpleasant taste
• Rash
• Dizziness or headaches

Those with autoimmune disorders should avoid it. Due to its immune effects, echinacea could hypothetically worsen conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.

Goldenseal Safety

Do not take goldenseal long-term since accumulated doses may cause liver damage over time. Potential side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Irregular heartbeat
• Breathing issues
• Mouth/eye irritation

Avoid goldenseal supplements if pregnant or breastfeeding since toxicity data is unavailable. Given its strong compound berberine, it could potentially cause birth defects or developmental harm to babies.

Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, lung conditions, or diabetes should exercise caution with goldenseal due to possible compound interactions and toxicity if misused.

FAQs

Is Echinacea good for colds?

Yes, multiple studies show echinacea may help prevent and treat the common cold. It appears most effective when taken as soon as cold symptoms manifest.

Whats goldenseal root good for?

Goldenseal helps fight infections, calms digestive issues, reduces inflammation, and has many other benefits. Its antimicrobial compound berberine is especially useful for treating or preventing illness.

Can you take echinacea and goldenseal together?

Yes, echinacea and goldenseal complement each other nicely when used together for colds and flu. Echinacea strengthens overall immunity while goldenseal targets the actual viral/bacterial infection.

Is goldenseal safe to take daily?

No, goldenseal should not be taken daily or for more than 2-3 continuous weeks. Over time, it may cause liver toxicity and other harmful effects. Echinacea is safer for regular use.

What happens if you take too much goldenseal?

Consuming too much goldenseal could cause vomiting, diarrhea, arrhythmias, breathing issues, mouth/eye irritation, seizures, paralysis, or even liver failure. Seek medical care if you suspect goldenseal overdose.

In summary, echinacea and goldenseal offer complementary therapeutic effects. Echinacea seems safer for longer-term use while goldenseal works well short-term. Using both together may help maximize relief from colds, allergies, and other inflammatory issues.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.