GOLDEN
SEAL
(Hydrastis canadensis)
yellow root, eye balm, ground raspberry, tumeric
root, Indian paint
Description:
Small perennial, with a thick knotty, bright yellow rootstock,
sending up a hairy stem, 1 ft. high. Two palmately 5-lobed, serrate
leaves grow near the top and one solitary radical leaf on a long
foot stalk about 9 in. across. Stem, topped by a small, solitary,
flower, greenish-white sepals that fall away when flower opens.
Fruit resembles a raspberry, consists of fused, 2-seeded drupes.
Grows in shady woods of eastern U.S., is scarce today, cultivated
for its medicinal purposes throughout the U.S.
Medicinal:
Antiseptic, astringent, diuretic, laxative, tonic. The prepared
root is used for mouth, skin disorders, stomach ailments, nausea,
and in combination with capsicum, as a remedy for chronic alcoholism.
A strong tonic for mucus membranes, liver, uterus and venous circulation,
mouth wash, eye wash, vaginal douche, for external skin diseases,
to relieve stomach ailments, nausea during pregnancy and a laxative.
Steep 1 tsp. pwd root to 2 cups boiling water, let stand till
cool . Take 1-2 tsp. 3-6 times a day.
