Goldenseal

Goldenseal is also known by the names Yellow Root, Orange Root, Eye Root, Indian Turmeric, and Jaundice Root. Goldenseal is a native North American herb that grows in the Appalachian Mountains and surrounding areas. The Cherokee Indians, who introduced it to early American settlers, not only valued the root of this plant for health purposes, but also for its yellow dye which was used as face paint, clothing dye, insect repellant and as an application to wounds. Once widely available in the wild, the plant has been largely over-harvested, and is now mostly available through commercial cultivation. The genus name, Hydrastis, is from the Greek meaning "water acting", due to the effect Goldenseal has upon mucus membrane secretions. Goldenseal contains calcium, iron, manganese, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-complex, and other nutrients and minerals.

Considered to be a "broad-spectrum" herb, Goldenseal is extremely popular and very much in demand. Its numerous uses are attributed to its antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. It can sooth irritated mucus membranes aiding the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Taken at the first signs of respiratory problems, colds or flu, Goldenseal can help prevent further symptoms from developing. It has also been used to help reduce fevers, and relive congestion and excess mucus. It is used to cleanse and promote healthy glandular functions by increasing bile flow and digestive enzymes, therefore, regulating healthy liver and spleen functions. It can also ease inflamed peptic ulcers, aids digestion and relieves constipation. Goldenseal may be used to treat infections of the bladder and intestines as well. Its properties are largely due to its alkaloids, which include berberine, hydrastine and canadine.

Astragalus

The word astragalus comes from Ancient Greek and literally means star milk, probably referring to the whitish flower found on some species. The Latin name for the herb commonly used is Astragalus Membranaceus, a reference to the membrananous-like roots from which its active ingredients are extracted. Its Chinese name, Huang Qi means yellow leader and is derived from the plant’s yellow roots. It is also known as Milk-Vetch root. The herb’s natural habitat is temperate Asia where it’s found predominantly in Northern China and surrounding mountainous regions. Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for an estimated 4000 years.

The polysaccharides (starch-like carbohydrates) of Astragalus generate extra activity in the body’s network of virus-fighting antibodies. This action also restores depleted blood cells to the body’s bone marrow. Additionally Astragalus stimulates the body’s natural production of Interferon, the cellular protein produced by the body, in times of viral infection, to inhibit viral growth.

It's is used to treat a variety of issues, including colds, sore throat, hepatitis, immune function, post-radiation and chemotherapy, heart attacks and chronic degenerative diseases.