The homeopathic remedy hydrastis is prepared from the dehydrated underground parts of the herb called goldenseal.
Contents
Uses
Hydrastis is used to treat any array of health conditions, especially those related to the mucus membranes.
Benefits
In homeopathy, hydrastis is an ideal medication for the characteristic symptoms associated with the problems of the mucus membranes. Owing to the numerous therapeutic properties possessed by the herb that is used to prepare this homeopathic remedy, hydrastis is frequently prescribed for people suffering from catarrh, sore throat, sinusitis as well as an unusual taste in the mouth – all symptoms associated with mucus membranes. People who respond to this homeopathic medication may generally have profuse, dense, yellow-colored, gristly mucus distressing the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract. In addition, hydrastis is also beneficial for people suffering from stomach problems, which may perhaps take place together with the typical problems associated with the mucus membranes. The typical symptoms endured by people who require hydrastis may comprise pitiable digestion as well as constipation with no impulse whatsoever to pass stools.
It is important to note that homeopathic physicians often prescribe hydrastis for patients prone to developing cancer or those in the pre-cancerous conditions, especially those that may develop into liver, colon or breast cancers. In effect, this homeopathic remedy is particularly associated with liver cancer and it may be taken by individuals who desire to lessen their requirement for analgesics (pain killers) and narcotics.
Cautions
Goldenseal is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth as a single dose. There is not enough reliable information to know if goldenseal is safe for long-term use.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Using goldenseal during pregnancy or breast-feeding is LIKELY UNSAFE for the infant. A hazardous chemical in goldenseal can cross the placenta and can also find its way into breast milk. Brain damage (kernicterus) has developed in newborn infants exposed to goldenseal. Do not use goldenseal during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Children: Don’t use goldenseal in newborn babies. It is LIKELY UNSAFE for them. It might cause brain damage (kernicterus).
Interactions
- Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with GOLDENSEAL
The body breaks down cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) to get rid of it. Goldenseal might decrease how fast the body breaks down cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune). This might cause there to be too much cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) in the body and potentially cause side effects. - Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with GOLDENSEAL
Taking goldenseal with digoxin (Lanoxin) might cause a very slight increase in digoxin (Lanoxin) levels in the body. But this does not seem to be an important interaction. - Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-Glycoprotein Substrates) interacts with GOLDENSEALSome medications are moved by pumps in cells. Goldenseal might make these pumps less active and increase how much of some medications get absorbed by the body. This might increase the amount of some medications in the body, which could lead to more side effects. But there is not enough information to know if this is a big concern.
Some medications that are moved by these pumps include etoposide, paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, ketoconazole, itraconazole, amprenavir, indinavir, nelfinavir, saquinavir, cimetidine, ranitidine, diltiazem, verapamil, corticosteroids, erythromycin, cisapride (Propulsid), fexofenadine (Allegra), cyclosporine, loperamide (Imodium), quinidine, and others.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with GOLDENSEALSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Goldenseal might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking goldenseal along with some medications that are changed by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking goldenseal talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with GOLDENSEAL
- Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.Goldenseal might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking goldenseal along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking goldenseal, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.
Other names
Chinese Goldenseal, Eye Balm, Eye Root, Fard Inolien, Framboise de Terre, Goldenroot, Goldsiegel, Ground Raspberry, Hydraste, Hydraste du Canada, Hydrastis canadensis, Indian Dye, Indian Plant, Indian Tumeric, Jaundice Root, Orange Root, Racine à la Jaunisse, Racine Orange, Sceau D’Or, Sello de Oro, Turmeric Root, Warnera, Wild Curcuma, Yellow Indian Paint, Yellow Paint, Yellow Puccoon, Yellow Root
References
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-943-goldenseal.aspx?activeingredientid=943&
Herbs2000, http://www.herbs2000.com/homeopathy/hydrastis.htm